The Colts are saying that LB Shaquille Leonard may play against the Texans. He had offseason June 2-level back discectomies for compression of spinal nerves that affected his calf and ankle did not play in the preseason. Due to ankle surgery before last season and with back pains (since actually 2019), he has not played since last year........and just began to practice for the first time 5 days ago. They are talking about a pitch count. To be playing at all in 1 more week after only 2 weeks of total practice is not a wise choice.
Microdiscectomy requires 6-8 weeks of rest for noncontact sports, and at least 3 months of rest (typically 4-6 months) for contact sports. Athletes are less likely to return to play and stay in play when multiple disc levels are affected. After such surgery, recurrence of the problem/pain is not unusual since you have not cured the problem......only removed some bulging pressing against nerve(s) and lessening the thickness of the disc cushion. Players that are expected to engage in fierce sometimes high speed impact, and twisting and bending are doing exactly what is counterproductive to keeping the disc from recollapsing.