Author: Joel A. Erickson, Indianapolis Star

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan opened up about his benching for the first time on Wednesday.

Colts LB Shaquille Leonard has seen the criticism and he has a message: “If I’m ready to go, I’m going to play.”

Nobody — not the referees, Matt Ryan or Chris Jones — is saying what Jones said to draw the penalty, but it’s a rare unsportsmanlike conduct.

Shaquille Leonard remains on the active/PUP list, and the Indianapolis Colts have talked about the possibility he might not play Week 1.

Leonard said that he was called Shaquille all his life until he reached the NFL, where he didn’t stop others from calling him Darius.

Khari Willis was a key starter and leader for the Indianapolis Colts’ defense, but the safety is walking away from the NFL to pursue another calling.

Colts linebacker Darius Leonard had back surgery to repair an injury that has plagued him this offseason, according to head coach Frank Reich.

Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore has two years remaining on his contract and is the 27th-highest-paid player at his position in the NFL.

Nick Foles won the Super Bowl in Philadelphia with Frank Reich as offensive coordinator. Now, the two will reunite in Indianapolis.

Peyton Manning was one of the 1st calls Matt Ryan made when he was leaving Atlanta. Manning on that call: ‘I could speak to what the Colts need.’