Shaquille Leonard is on track to make his season debut with the Colts against the Titans
After missing the first three games of the season, Shaquille Leonard is expected to play with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4.
Back in the summer, when the Indianapolis Colts announced that All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard had back surgery to resolve a nerve issue, everyone immediately wanted to know when they could expect to see him back on the field. However, Indy didn’t have an easy answer for fans and media.
Leonard was held out of training camp and the preseason but practiced every week of the regular season. However, Shaq didn’t play in any of the first three games because he and the team didn’t feel he was ready yet. This led to some tension as fans began to question Leonard’s desire. After Leonard set those people straight, it was evident that everyone was just anxiously awaiting his return.
It looks like the wait is over, as it has been announced that Shaquille Leonard is on track to make his season debut in Week 4 against the rival Tennessee Titans. Leonard had a solid full week of practice, and as long as there are no setbacks pregame, he’s expected to take the field on Sunday.
This is all trending in the right direction. Barring a setback, Shaq Leonard should make his debut... https://t.co/JxhzoIlyR5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2022
Shaquille Leonard returns in Week 4 for the Colts
What better time to come back than a huge rivalry game at home? The energy will be electric and Shaq Leonard in his first action of the season will definitely be fueling that energy. Going against Derrick Henry and the Titans, Leonard will be the perfect addition for a defense that has already been amazing against the run this season.
While Leonard is expected to play, it’s not clear how the Colts plan to utilize him. Indy hasn’t made clear if he’ll just let play without restrictions or if it’ll be some type of ramping-up process. On Friday, Frank Reich did admit that the idea of a pitch count was something the team may discuss.
However, even if it’s only for a limited number of snaps, it’ll be great to see Leonard back on the field. Unfortunately for the Colts, they could be getting one defensive star back and losing another, as DeForest Buckner is questionable for Sunday’s game.
Colts elevating Chris Williams to the roster makes me believe that DeForest Buckner either won’t play or will be very limited tomorrow
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) October 1, 2022
Colts may be without DeForest Buckner against the Titans
The Pro Bowl defensive tackle is dealing with an elbow injury that kept him out of practice all week. It’s been highlighted that Buckner was seen sporting a very massive elbow brace. While DeForest has dealt with minor injuries before, he’s only ever missed one game because of injury in his career.
However, when the Colts elevated Chris Williams from the practice squad, many people took it as a sign that Buckner’s status is really in question for Sunday’s game. Surely, Buckner will be doing everything possible up until kickoff to try and give it a go. It’ll be great if he and Leonard can take the field for the Colts in Week 4.
