Colts remove star LB Leonard from PUP list

INDIANAPOLIS — Colts All-Professional linebacker Shaquille Leonard is one step nearer to returning to the sector after offseason again surgical procedure.

The Colts on Tuesday activated Leonard from the bodily unable to carry out record as they submitted their strikes to succeed in their preliminary 53-man roster, enabling Leonard to keep away from remaining on the record into the common season. Had Leonard not been activated on Tuesday, he would have been required to remain on the PUP record by no less than Week 4 of the common season.

Tuesday’s transfer was foreshadowed final week by Colts coach Frank Reich, who stated the workforce most well-liked to have Leonard on its lively roster on the season’s outset, if potential, as a result of it might permit him to observe.

“From our standpoint, we actually need to get him again on the market when he is [medically] cleared,” Reich stated. “Even when he isn’t able to play, get him on the market [practicing]. And you’ll’t get on the market in case you’re on PUP. You possibly can’t take part in something. So, we need to get him collaborating. Sooner or later, even when he isn’t able to play, we’ve got to get him off PUP.” Leonard was seen going by a exercise with teammates previous to Saturday night time’s preseason finale in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one other indicator that he’s nearer to returning.

Leonard’s standing has been up within the air since June, when he underwent again surgical procedure to handle a nerve concern that was inflicting lower-body ache. The issue has been resolved, the Colts say, however Leonard has been rebuilding energy post-surgery.

The Colts open their season on Sept. 11 on the Houston Texans.