Leonard practices however standing for Colts opener nonetheless unclear

Leonard acknowledged Thursday he is feeling higher as he builds follow time even because the Colts categorical warning about one in every of their key gamers for the season opener.

“We’ll guarantee that we make the best choice,” Leonard stated earlier than follow. “I do not need to go on the market and harm the workforce. So if I am able to rock ‘n’ roll, I will be able to rock ‘n’ roll.”

Leonard has handled an injured ankle since his rookie season. He had offseason surgical procedure earlier than final season and in June had again surgical procedure to alleviate the lingering ache.

The end result: Leonard did not work out with teammates from January’s season finale till he was activated from the bodily unable to carry out record final week.

Since then, Leonard has been listed as a full participant at every Colts follow although the workforce’s larger concern is whether or not he can play his traditional ball-hawking position for 4 quarters. And with 16 extra video games to play after Sunday, the Colts do not need to rush one in every of their greatest stars into motion.

“Generally you get these guys who’re famous person gamers — I shouldn’t use that phrase — however gamers like Shaq the place you say, ‘Hey, we by no means do that, however we’d do it for him,’” coach Frank Reich stated Wednesday. “I usually would suppose I would wish greater than three practices, however I don’t know. Might he follow three practices in a row and play 15 performs within the sport? Perhaps.”

Leonard’s vitality definitely would give the Colts protection a lift.

Everybody from new quarterback Matt Ryan to Professional Bowl defensive deal with DeForest Buckner raves concerning the distinction Leonard makes when he is round.