Colts' Leonard has back surgery, will miss part of training camp

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard will miss part of training camp after undergoing back surgery Tuesday, head coach Frank Reich said, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59.

However, the Colts expect the three-time Pro Bowl defender to be ready for the regular season.

Reich confirmed that Leonard won't need additional surgery for an ankle injury that bothered him throughout the 2021 season. The former second-round selection wasn't in attendance for the opening day of mandatory minicamp due to his procedure.

Leonard tweeted Tuesday that he felt "amazing."

Surgery went well, feeling amazing and ready to get back going! If you know me you know I always come back way better than I was! Let's go man ankle feels amazing and can't wait to get back moving! Thanks for the texts and calls! https://t.co/jMpee1PStc

- Darius Leonard (@dsleon45) June 7, 2022

Leonard racked up 122 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits last season. A captain of the defense, Leonard earned first-team All-Pro honors in three of his first four NFL campaigns.

The South Carolina native signed a five-year, $98.5-million extension with Indianapolis last August. His $6.9-million base salary is guaranteed for the 2022 season, according to Over the Cap.

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