Colts Head Coach Expects Star Linebacker To Play In Week 8

The Indianapolis Colts have been one of the biggest disappointments in the AFC thus far this year, despite still being in the division race at 3-4-1, and beyond their Quarterback struggles, one of the biggest reasons for this is the absence of their defensive star and leader, Shaquille Leonard. He has appeared in just one game this season, and was promptly taken out of the game due to injury, but now, it appears he is on the cusp of a return as the team hands the keys to the franchise over to Sam Ehlinger as they look to get back into the AFC playoff chase.

Colts’ HC Frank Reich told reporters that LB Shaquille Leonard will return from his back injury Sunday and play against the Commanders.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2022

The Colts haven't looked like themselves in 2022, but now, Leonard feels like himself again, as he told the media "I feel more explosive this week, I feel like a linebacker", and if the team can bounce back and take out the Commanders this week, they have a very good chance of making a run in the second half of the season.

As for Leonard, the Colts need him healthy for the long stretch, so he wouldn't be playing unless he was 100% ready to go, so the fact that his Head Coach sees him as ready should give this team plenty of optimism. Leonard was drafted in the second round back in 2018, and has made All-Pro every season since, and while this year may be different due to the injury, he's still young and has all of that talent and leadership, so if he can help this team turn it around in 2022, it might be his most impressive season yet.

Photo Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports