Colts LB Shaq Leonard upset with current role

The Indianapolis Colts have adjusted LB Shaquille Leonard's snap count this season as he returns from injury. The LB doesn't seem to be enjoying his limited role, though.  Leonard hasn't been one of the few players to be on the field for 100% of the Colts defensive snaps this season. And he is yet to […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) talks to game official Grantis Bell on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, before facing the New Orleans Saints at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Indianapolis Colts have adjusted LB Shaquille Leonard's snap count this season as he returns from injury.

The LB doesn't seem to be enjoying his limited role, though. 

Leonard hasn't been one of the few players to be on the field for 100% of the Colts defensive snaps this season. And he is yet to have the most in the LB room on the year. 

  • Week 1: 60 snaps (2nd for LBs) 
  • Week 2: 60 snaps (2nd for LBs) 
  • Week 3: 50 snaps (2nd for LBs) 
  • Week 4: 37 snaps (3rd for LBs) 
  • Week 5: Did not play due to injury 
  • Week 6: 52 snaps (2nd for LBs)
  • Week 7: 53 snaps (2nd for LBs) 
  • Week 8: 55 snaps (2nd for LBs) 

So, looking at the snap, it doesn't feel that Leonard has been slighted by the Colts so far. The only LB who has out-snapped him is Zaire Franklin, who has played like the best Colts LB this season and currently leads the NFL in total tackles. 

Leonard hasn't looked like the turnover machine we've seen during the best years of his career this season. But he has looked more and more productive as the year has gone on. Over the past three weeks, specifically after returning from injury, he has found himself around the ball more often, which has been great to see. It has led him to be a part of more impactful plays, which is hopefully a sign of things to come for the former All-Pro LB. 

Overall, I'm not sure if Leonard's grievance with his snap count is warranted via the numbers, but I have not been a part of the day-to-day conversations he has had with the coaching staff about his play. Hopefully, this situation doesn't become a distraction for the Colts, who currently sit at 3-5 and don't need any added issues as they attempt to get their season back on track. 

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