The Indianapolis Colts are expecting to be a big time player in the AFC this year. Those expectations were put in place when they traded for Carson Wentz in the offseason, reuniting him with Frank Reich. With a defense led by star linebacker Darius Leonard, Indianapolis has major players on both sides.

Now, according to ProFootballTalk, the Colts will begin training camp without the star linebacker after he underwent ankle surgery.

Colts General Manager Chris Ballard said on Monday that linebacker Darius Leonard is going to be off the field for a while. Leonard had a surgical procedure on his ankle recently that Ballard described as minor, but it will be enough to keep him from practicing for the near future.

Leonard has been a monster dating back to his rookie season in 2018 when he led the entire NFL in combined tackles. With a big extension likely headed his way, this surgery shouldn't factor in to his payday when the Colts and him hold discussions.

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Thankfully for Indianapolis, Ballard noted that it was a minor procedure but didn't say anything about Leonard missing time once the season starts. Best case scenario for the Colts might just be that Leonard misses a chunk of training camp before easing back into play.

The AFC South will likely come down to the Colts and Titans again and both made moves in the offseason to improve their chances. If it does come down to Tennessee and Indianapolis, the health of Leonard will play a big factor in the division.