Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Shaquille Leonard Still Suffering From Concussion Symptoms

The Indianapolis Colts' locker room leader's status for the 2023 season just got a whole lot murkier. Head coach Shane Steichen revealed that linebacker Shaquille Leonard remains in concussion protocol less than a week out from the regular season.

Shaquille Leonard is still in the concussion protocol, but Shane Steichen said he is "progressing well."
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) September 4, 2023

Steichen suggested Leonard is progressing well, but the fact that the three-time All-Pro still isn't all the way back from injury should set off alarm bells for Colts fans. Leonard missed all but three games and 74 total defensive snaps during the 2022 season due to a combination of a lingering back injury and a concussion/broken nose suffered in Week 4.

Leonard is a three-time Pro Bowler, a former AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, and arguably the most established veteran on the Colts, but his availability going forward shouldn't be taken for granted. Linebacker is a punishing position that has seen many star players retire unexpectedly. Carolina Panthers superstar and five-time All-Pro Luke Kuechly retired at only 28 years old due to complications surrounding concussion symptoms. Leonard turned 28 earlier this summer.

Hopefully, Leonard's best days aren't behind him. The Colts are at the beginning of a new era after acquiring quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fourth-overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft; with any luck, Leonard will endure through the Colts' rebuild and help them contend again sometime soon.