Darius Leonard Fantasy

Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard (back) underwent back surgery and will miss part of training camp next month, according to head coach Frank Reich. However, Leonard is expected to be back for the regular season, but injuries have become a concern for the 26-year-old, as he also had ankle surgery in the offseason, causing him to miss organized team activities. Leonard won't need a second ankle surgery, but it's fair to wonder if injuries will cause him to be less effective in 2022. The three-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro still managed 122 tackles (75 solo), four tackles for loss, three QB hits, four interceptions, eight passes defensed, a league-high eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 16 games last year, but he didn't record a sack for the first time in his four NFL seasons.

Jun. 7th • 3:13 PM

Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard (ankle) sat out of practice at organized team activities again on Wednesday. Head coach Frank Reich said the team is being cautious with Leonard, but it's an issue that has now lingered for a year and a half. "We're trying to be cautious, so just taking it day by day trying to see what exactly we're dealing with, how can we get it to respond and make some progress," Reich said. It's one of the team's biggest concerns heading into the 2022 season, and fantasy managers in IDP leagues should be wary of Leonard's injury as well. Reich said the team hasn't discussed a second surgery for Leonard. The 26-year-old three-time All-Pro still managed 122 tackles (75 solo), four tackles for loss, three QB hits, four interceptions, eight passes defensed, a league-leading eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 16 games in 2021.

Jun. 3rd • 10:52 AM

Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard didn't feel right at the end of last season due to an ankle injury and the loss of his cousin. Leonard was the NFL's leader in turnovers last December, but an ankle injury was wearing him down and a bout with COVID-19 left him isolated. "Last year, I wasn't in the right mental space to hold everybody accountable. I felt like I let the team down in that aspect in the last two games," Leonard said. He also said he "fell out of love with the game. I wasn't enjoying it anymore." The 26-year-old has focused on his mental health this offseason and is still rehabbing his injured ankle, but he doesn't think he'll need another surgery. The three-time All-Pro still had 122 total tackles (75 solo), four interceptions, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 16 games, and he should remain one of the top-tier IDP linebackers in 2022.

May. 5th • 12:41 PM