Will Shaquille Leonard play with the Colts in Week 1 against the Texans?
The Indianapolis Colts play their first regular season game of the season on Sunday. Will star linebacker, Shaquille Leonard, suit up and play?
After missing the entire offseason program, All-Pro linebacker, Shaquille Leonard, finally rejoined the Indianapolis Colts on the practice field at the conclusion of training camp. Returning to the field in a big way after an offseason back surgery, Leonard hasn’t had any reported setbacks in practice.
Although he’s back running around on the field and making plays, there’s still a question about his availability on Sunday in the Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans. Will Leonard be active, miss the game completely, or will the Colts play him in some limited capacity?
Is Shaquille Leonard playing in Week 1?
After being closely observed in practice throughout the week, the Colts decided that Shaquille Leonard will not play in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. Leonard hasn’t had any setbacks, but the team believes he needs more time to get closer to full strength.
LB Shaquille Leonard ruled out for Sunday's season opener.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 9, 2022
Who is Shaquille Leonard’s backup on the Colts?
Indianapolis released an unofficial Week 1 depth chart on Tuesday and Leonard was listed as the only Mike linebacker. However, EJ Speed, who’s listed as the No. 2 Will linebacker, was bumped into the starting lineup in place of Leonard during the preseason.
If Shaquille Leonard can’t take the field in Week 1, or any point throughout the season, EJ Speed is the linebacker that will step in. Either Speed will fill in at Mike linebacker, or Bobby Okereke will bump over to Mike and Speed will be the Will linebacker.
While it’s impossible to replace a talent like Shaquille Leonard on the field, the Colts are lucky to have tremendous linebacker depth and they should be able to survive until Leonard is fully healthy. When that is, remains to be seen, but hopefully, it’s Week 1.
