INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard is one step closer to returning to the field after offseason back surgery.
The Colts on Tuesday activated Leonard from the physically unable to perform list as they submitted their moves to reach their initial 53-man roster, enabling Leonard to avoid remaining on the list into the regular season. Had Leonard not been activated on Tuesday, he would have been required to stay on the PUP list through at least Week 4 of the regular season.
Tuesday's move was foreshadowed last week by Colts coach Frank Reich, who said the team preferred to have Leonard on its active roster at the season's outset, if possible, because it would allow him to practice.