Shaquille Leonard is upset over his diminished role with the Indianapolis Colts.

The linebacker was informed his role would not be expanded even in the absence of injured starting middle linebacker Zaire Franklin last week.

Leonard was told by linebackers coach Richard Smith that he would split reps on early downs and continue to leave the field on third down while backup Segun Olubi manned the middle the entire game.

"So that's when I kind of knew, and it sucked hearing that," Leonard said. "You're already not playing on third [down]; you're taking the reps on second down too? So it's very heartbreaking to get that, but it is what it is."

Leonard, the 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, believes he is close to returning to his old form after his injuries, even if defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and his staff appear to disagree.