Colts Star Linebacker Out For Week 3

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off a 24-0 loss to their division rival the Jacksonville Jaguars, and while it's clear the offence was the teams biggest problem, the defence wasn't great either, as Trevor Lawrence and co. were allowed to take whatever they wanted. Part of that could be the Colts defence being underprepared, but it could also be related to their All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard missing the game, and unfortunately, they'll need to face the Chiefs in Week 3 without him as well.

The #Colts have declared LB Shaq Leonard out for Sunday's game once again. But WR Alec Pierce has cleared concussion protocol and will play.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2022

The star linebacker has been dealing with a back issue all summer long, and after practicing all week, there was certainly some optimism about his playing status ahead of Week 3, but ultimately, he just wasn't yet ready to take the field. The Colts currently hold a 0-1-1 record, and with the AFC powerhouse Chiefs up next, it's going to be a tough game, even tougher without Leonard, who's been the leader of this defence for years.

Indianapolis certainly have the talent to make a run in the AFC, but they've got to turn their fortunes around sometime, and with Leonard out again in Week 3, it's more than likely not going to be this week, as the pre-season AFC South favourites face an 0-2-1 hole to begin their campaign.

Photo Credit: Robert Scheer / USA TODAY NETWORK