Colts' Leonard to miss season opener vs. Texans

Indianapolis Colts star linebacker Shaquille Leonard will miss the team's season-opening game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, the club announced Friday.

The three-time All-Pro defender continues to recover from offseason back surgery. Leonard underwent the procedure to address a nerve issue causing him lower-body pain.

The 27-year-old appeared to be moving closer to returning after the Colts activated him from the physically unable to perform list last month.

Leonard fully participated in Wednesday's non-padded practice and was listed as limited in Thursday's padded practice, according to team reporter JJ Stankevitz.

"He's far from 100%," said head coach Frank Reich on Wednesday, per ESPN's Stephen Holder. "But he can play at 80%. That's just my number."

Despite dealing with his ailment since last season, Leonard tallied 122 tackles, four tackles for loss, and four interceptions in 2021 to earn his third Pro Bowl nod.

Indianapolis could turn to E.J. Speed while Leonard's sidelined.

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