5 players that have to step up for Colts to turn things around in 2023

2. Shaquille Leonard must step up for Colts

Shaquille Leonard has gone through it with injury over the past couple of years after signing a five-year, mega extension in 2021. When healthy, Leonard is a tackle machine, and the Maniac is a sight to behold as to how great he can be as a linebacker.

For him, it just comes down to staying healthy, and the entire structure and performance of this defense changes for the better. He has dealt with two back surgeries but that is something he is looking to put in the past, and looks to get back on the field as the player he was before.

Don't expect Leonard to step out there Week 1 as a top-five linebacker already, he will need some time to get back to being effective, but he is still just 27, and can make a huge impact on the team next season.

With his return, other players can also use the motivation that the return brings to rally around him, and help bring a whole new energy to the Indianapolis Colts' defense. It will be great to see Leonard back out there, and if he is able to be close to 100 percent, he will step up in a huge way for the Colts.