[JAFF]

https://www.indystar.com/story/sport...y/70108503007/

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The issues date back to last June, when doctors discovered a nerve issue that was shooting pain from Leonard's back down to his calf. They opted for surgery and rested Leonard through all of training camp before letting him practice to start the regular season. After weeks of trying to get the nerves to fire correctly, he made his debut against the Titans in Week 4, breaking his nose and suffering a brain injury on the same play. He later returned for two more games, against the Commanders and the Patriots, before he had a setback with the back and opted for a second surgery.


“Not only are the nerves re-firing, they’re just strengthening everything back up now,” Leonard said after last season ended. “I’m just taking it slow. I shouldn’t have been out there, shouldn’t have been playing, should have just rested.”

Leonard vowed to handle this surgery differently, a process that started with meeting specialists outside of the facility.


Because he underwent the latest procedure last fall, he'll get more than half a year of rehab before the first opportunity for a contact practice in training camp. It's possible he could suit up for activities before then, but given the voluntary nature of them, it's unlikely he'll do so.

Leonard is one of the hardest working players on the roster and likes to attack rehab with the same approach. He spent time this offseason at a facility in Tampa Bay running through a specialized program.


"I know he's getting after it," said fellow linebacker Zaire Franklin, who trained at the same facility. "It's no lack of work that he's putting in. I know he's feeling good about the work he's putting in."

The Colts have a need for a player like Leonard after Bobby Okereke cashed in on a career year in free agency with the Giants. Indianapolis has Franklin back and re-signed E.J. Speed for depth, but it could use a Pro Bowler after trading Stephon Gilmore away to the Cowboys.

Time is on their side right now, but given the tricky nature of back injuries, they need to play it right to get "The Maniac" back to the player they know.

"Last year was a lot for him, both on and off the field," Franklin said. "I see him in there every day doing everything he can to get back. He's just taking his time. He has a long road to it, but he's making some progress and he'll be ready to