The Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard had a great start to his NFL career. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and achieved three Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors in his first four seasons. His efforts earned him a 5-year, $98.5 million extension with $52.5 million guaranteed heading into the 2021 season.
Unfortunately, Leonard hasn’t been the same player because he battled injuries and fell out of the rotation.
The Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker has battled injuries
![TRENDING: The Indianapolis Colts' Former 3-Time All-Pro Is Waiting for an Opportunity to Play 1 Indianapolis Colts, Shaq Leonard](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_19164048_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
Nfl Tennessee Titans At Indianapolis Colts
Shaquille Leonard underwent back surgery in June before the 2022 season. He missed the first three games of the 2022 season to recover from his surgery. He returned in Week 4 but suffered a concussion and a broken nose in that game, missing Weeks 5-7.
He returned in Week 8 and played until Week 9. He suffered a setback in his back heading into Week 10. The Colts placed him on injured reserve on November 12. He underwent back surgery on November 15, and he missed the rest of the season.
He finished his 2022 campaign with 11 tackles, one interception, one pass deflection, and a 40.6 PFF grade.
Shaquille Leonard fell out of the rotation
![TRENDING: The Indianapolis Colts' Former 3-Time All-Pro Is Waiting for an Opportunity to Play 2 Dallas Cowboys Philadelphia Eagles](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_21767464_168400517_lowres.jpg)
Leonard recovered from his back injury and started his first nine games of the 2023 season with 65 tackles, two TFLs, and a 60.3 PFF grade.
Due to the emergence of Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed, his role diminished and fell out of the rotation. The Colts released him ahead of Week 12.
He finished the season in Philadelphia.
Shaquille Leonard finished his 2023 campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles
![TRENDING: The Indianapolis Colts' Former 3-Time All-Pro Is Waiting for an Opportunity to Play 3 Philadelphia Eagles, Shaquille Leonard](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/usa_today_22183306.jpg)
The Eagles signed Leonard ahead of Week 13. He played their last five regular-season games and made three starts. He had 23 tackles, two TFLs, one sack, and a 66.6 PFF grade. He was inactive in their Wild Card game.
He is waiting for an opportunity to play in 2024.
Shaquille Leonard is waiting for an opportunity to play
![TRENDING: The Indianapolis Colts' Former 3-Time All-Pro Is Waiting for an Opportunity to Play 4 USATSI 17479624 168400517 lowres](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_17479624_168400517_lowres.jpg)
The Indianapolis Colts Versus Jacksonville Jaguars On Sunday, Jan 9 2022 Tiaa Bank Field In Jacksonville Fla
“I’m more so just sitting back, getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we’ll give it a try,” Leonard told the Indianapolis Star’s Kyle Smedley. “I just continue to be me by working hard.
“If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it don’t. I think throughout my career I’ve had a great career, even if I do step away from it. … I’m enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity.”
Will he play in 2024?