Shaquille Leonard Injury Update: Fantasy Outlook and Return Status for NFL Week 11 Sunday Games

Shaquille Leonard, the Indianapolis Colts' star player, will be out for the rest of the season.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, NFL All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts had successful back surgery on Tuesday, meaning he won't be seen again for the rest of the season.

Leonard, according to reports, underwent surgery after undergoing various evaluations. He has ongoing back issues, which led to his placement on injured reserve last Friday. Leonard, according to reports, suffered a setback on Wednesday of last week.

In three games (one of which he started), the four-time NFL All-Pro linebacker has 11 tackles, one pass defended, and one interception for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022.

The Indianapolis Colts will hope Shaquille Leonard can finish his recovery during the offseason. One of the top off-ball linebackers in the game, Leonard, has only recorded 74 defensive snaps this year. We can write off this season as a major disappointment and hope that he regains his pre-injury efficiency in 2023.

The talented linebacker had surgery to replace two disks in his back in June, but Leonard and the Colts weren't satisfied with the outcome. He didn't feature in the first three games of the Indianapolis Colts while healing from his initial operation. When he eventually returned to the pitch in Week 4, he sustained a fractured nose and a concussion.

Leonard sat out three more games before making a comeback. Still, he was forced to sit out this past Sunday's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders after developing new neck and back issues earlier.

After speaking with neck surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins on Monday to decide whether to be out for the 2022 season and concentrate on a 2023 return, he was forced to settle for surgery.

The second-round draft pick in 2018 has played in 61 career games and recorded 549 tackles, 15 sacks, 12 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries.

Leonard might once more play every week in fantasy leagues if he overcomes his back troubles next season.

Shaquille Leonard's timeline

The Colts selected Shaquille Leonard in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2018 after he played college football for South Carolina State.

Leonard was voted Defensive Rookie of the Year, a first-team All-Pro, and league leader in tackles during his rookie campaign. Due to his enthusiastic and effective performances, Leonard has earned the nickname "Maniac" informally.

Leonard was named to The Associated Press' First Team All-Pro team last season. He was chosen for four All-Pro teams. Leonard has the most first-team All-Pro selections and overall All-Pro selections in Colts history. Additionally, he was selected for his third career Pro Bowl and the third time in a row.