Colts Linebacker Ruled Out Week 1

The Indianapolis Colts watched a year ago as the Tennessee Titans dominated the division en route to the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but after strengthening their team with the addition of Matt Ryan, this is the year that the Colts believe they can finally step in and dominate the AFC South. Unfortunately for them, that conquest will have to begin understrength, as they will have to travel to Houston without star linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

Colts have ruled LB Shaquille Leonard OUT for Sunday’s season opener in Houston. This became pretty obvious when Leonard was not lined up with the starting defense at the start of today’s practice. He’ll need at least another week after offseason back surgery.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 9, 2022

Leonard, who has been an All-Pro in every season at the NFL level had off-season back surgery and hasn't trained with the first team all week will need another week to prepare, meaning the team will need to beat a division rival without him. 

The team is once again looking solid, with players ready to break out, they could make a genuine run in the AFC, but to do so, Leonard, along with Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman and Matty Ice will need to be at pristine health. Thankfully for the Colts, their first challenge is one they can win without Leonard, but a loss to Houston would get the season started in the worst way possible. 

Photo Credit: Robert Scheer / USA TODAY NETWORK