Trail Blazers' Meyers Leonard: Will open camp as limited participant

Leonard (shoulder) expects to be cleared for full contact on Oct. 8, Casey Holdahl of Blazers.com reports.

Analysis:

Earlier this offseason, Leonard said he hoped to be at full strength for training camp, but it appears he'll start practice as a limited participant after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder in March. Until Leonard is formally cleared, look for him to be limited to individual drills and other non-contact portions of practice. While coach Terry Stotts hasn't named his starters yet, it's expected that Al-Farouq Aminu and Mason Plumlee will start at power forward and center, respectively, leaving Leonard to take on a role off the bench as a three-point shooting big man.