Key injury updates entering Colts’ training camp

A roundup of key injuries as the Colts begin training camp.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to officially begin training camp Wednesday at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.

After roughly a month and a half off following the conclusion of the spring practices, the Colts are gearing up to compete for the top spot in the AFC South.

As training camp commences, there are several injuries to keep an eye on. Some are significant while others aren’t expected to keep players out for a long time.

Here’s a look at the key injury updates as the Colts enter training camp.

Colts made flurry of roster moves before training camp

Here are the roster moves the Colts made before training camp.

If you woke up this morning with a little extra pep in your step, it’s likely because the Indianapolis Colts are officially beginning training camp on Wednesday.

After the team reported to camp on Tuesday, the stage is set for the Colts to make their run for the top spot in the AFC South for the first time since 2014.

But before that comes to fruition, the Colts made a flurry of roster moves leading up to training camp. More moves are likely to come during camp between injuries and transactions.

Here’s a look at the roster moves the Colts made before the start of training camp:

No timeline for Shaquille Leonard’s return from back surgery

There’s no timetable on Shaquille Leonard’s return entering camp.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard underwent back surgery this offseason and while he told reporters Tuesday he’s feeling much better, there’s still no timeline for his return.

The Colts maintained during the spring workouts that Leonard was likely to miss some training camp time but that the expectation was he would be ready for Week 1.

As he reported to training camp Tuesday, Leonard wouldn’t put a timeline on his return from surgery.

“I’m not putting a timeline on it. I think the way I’m going now very happy with the way we’re going. I’m just going to take it day by day,” Leonard said Tuesday. “Just hope for the best and just get ready to rock and roll whenever the opportunity comes and just take the field running.”

Leonard, who goes by his middle name Shaquille now, missed the spring practices because of a lingering ankle injury. It turns out two discs were impinging a nerve in his back, and it was causing pain to shoot down his leg.

General manager Chris Ballard echoed the same sentiments that Leonard did and didn’t put a timeline on the star’s return either.

“Doing much better. Feels a lot of relief and I think that’s a good sign. When he’s back? He’s back when he’s back,” Ballard said Tuesday. “He’s got strength and he’s ready, he’s back. So, no timeline on him.”

Leonard is one of those players who could wind up missing a chunk of training camp and still be the highly productive player he’s always been as soon as he steps on the field. The team would like to get him into practices as much as possible before that, though.

Colts fans know more than most how to proceed with caution given a player’s injury outlook, but this situation will certainly be monitored over the next month.


Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)

[lawrence-related id=73545,73540,73537]

[listicle id=73529]

Colts’ Darius Leonard wants to be called Shaquille

Darius Leonard is going by Shaquille now.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard has requested to be called by his middle name and the name he used growing up: Shaquille.

As the Colts reported for training camp Tuesday, among the many topics Leonard discussed with the media was the name he wants to go by from here on out.

Leonard told the media that everyone called him Darius when he broke into the league in 2018 and didn’t want to make a scene about being called a certain name.

After four years in the league, three of which have included All-Pro First Team selections, Leonard has certainly earned the right to go by whatever name he chooses.

This does present another question, though. Can we call him Shaq? Shaq Leonard is a great name for an athlete. Shaq the Maniac has a nice ring to it as well.

Jokes aside, it may get some taking used to, but the heart of the Colts defense has made it clear what name he wants to go by.


Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)

[lawrence-related id=73523,73521,73506]

[listicle id=73519]