Leonard still dealing with ankle trouble

Colts LB Darius Leonard has been on the sideline at OTA practices this week because of lingering ankle issues, according to multiple reports. HC Frank Reich said: “Sometimes when you are going through something you hit a lull and can’t get over that hump. Sometimes you have to pause and say, ‘Why are we not getting over this hump?’ That’s a little bit what it is with Darius. We are just continuing to be cautious with him.” They're reportedly not yet considering another surgery on the left ankle, on which Leonard had surgery last June. Leonard missed only 1 game last season, and that for a stint on the COVID list. We'll see where this goes.

The Eagles have agreed to a one-year deal with LB Shaquille Leonard. That gives the veteran LB a strong opportunity to reach the starting lineup. Philly already has LB Nakobe Dean (foot) on IR and missed LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring) in Sunday's loss to the 49ers. That left Nicholas Morrow as the position's only full-timer and Christian Elliss next at 75% snap share. We'd guess that opportunity was a key to Leonard choosing the Eagles, and we'll watch for word on his immediate role. Of course, Leonard hit the open market in part because his performance -- and fantasy production -- lagged well short of past seasons in Indianapolis. So don't get too excited about the veteran in your IDP league. But he's OK to pick up in deeper formats.

The Colts have waived LB Shaquille Leonard. The veteran LB's playing time has been down vs. previous seasons, but he played at least 69% of the snaps in seven of his nine appearances -- including Indy's last game. Leonard played poorly in that contest, though. And for the season, Pro Football Focus has him at the highest missed-tackle rate of his career. Leonard still figures to catch on elsewhere -- likely after he clears waivers so that the new team doesn't have to pay the rest of his sizable contract. We'll see whether the 28-year-old can land somewhere with a path to full playing time. His departure should elevate E.J. Speed to No. 2 LB behind MLB Zaire Franklin.

The Colts have ruled LB Shaquille Leonard (groin) and Edge Kwity Paye (concussion) out for Sunday's game against the Titans. Leonard has fallen way down our rest-of-season IDP rankings and is droppable in many leagues. Paye's absence comes as no surprise after concussion symptoms arose after Week 4. E.J. Speed has passed Leonard in regular playing time and becomes a more attractive option with Leonard out. Paye's absence leaves snaps for Samson Ebukam and Dayo Odeyingbo.

Colts LB Shaquille Leonard sustained a concussion in a joint practice with the Bears late last week and has landed in the league protocol. HC Shane Steichen said, "He should be back soon." Leonard has struggled with injuries over the past couple of years but has generated buzz in camp this summer. With plenty of time to rebound from this concussion before the regular season, Leonard should remain in your IDP draft plans. He's not moving off a high perch in our IDP rankings.

Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star reports that Colts LB Shaquille Leonard "is moving well and popping people" in practice so far. That's especially good news for the 28-year-old who lost basically all of last summer to a back injury that required surgery. Before that, Leonard was hampered by a nagging ankle issue that limited his practice time even as he was playing through it. At full health, Leonard has been a dominant scorer for IDP leagues. He opened the year inside the top 10 LBs in our IDP rankings. A healthy camp and preseason just might push the Colt even higher.