Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard is looking to play two consecutive games for the first time this season and will once again be on a pitch count Sunday against the New England Patriots.
After making his second return from injury in Week 8, Leonard played 39% of the snaps against the Washington Commanders. Head coach Frank Reich told the media Friday that Leonard would see a similar pitch count.
“Shaq will be on a pitch count,” Reich said. “Same as last week.”
When it comes to Leonard’s limited snaps, there isn’t necessarily a set number. He didn’t get on the field for the first time until the second quarter during the Week 8 loss to the Commanders and wound up splitting time with Bobby Okereke.
The Colts defense has been solid this season, ranking 14th in DVOA and sixth in rush DVOA, according to Football Outsiders.
Leonard has missed the majority of the season working his way back from offseason back surgery and then again after he suffered a concussion and broken nose in Week 4, which forced him to miss the following three games.
The Colts need to get their star linebacker on the field for the entirety of games, but it’s clear they’re taking the process slow to ensure he doesn’t wind up back on the sidelines with another injury.
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