Andrew Luck missed the first start of his career as Matt Haseelbeck got the nod in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars following an injury to the quarterback's shoulder. Luck had been iffy all week not throwing at practice and then was officially held out. While he is still ruled as day-to-day by the official injury report, Indianapolis expects Luck to be back under center on Thursday night.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Luck is expected to play on Thursday against the Houston Texans. Rapoport writes via NFL.com, "At this point that is certainly their hope and expectation. They did some tests on Andrew Luck's shoulder earlier in the week. They found no structural damage to explain why he was experiencing some soreness, just some bruising in his throwing shoulder."
Sitting Luck and playing Hasselbeck against the Jaguars proved to be a fine move as the backup quarterback did what was necessary to get the win. Despite not having played a game since 2012, Hasselbeck proved that he could start if need be for the Colts should Luck suffer a setback and not play. If Luck were to not play, he would have three weeks of rest heading into a big matchup against the New England Patriots. While that is not expected to happen, Hasselbeck proved he can get the job done.
"I really just tried to approach it the same way I approach every game," Hasselbeck said, via ESPN.com. "Obviously it was little bit different with Andrew not practicing Wednesday and Thursday like he normally would. Really I didn't do anything different."
The biggest issue for the Colts right now is not who will start under center, but more so what is wrong with Frank Gore. The running back has been dealing with fumbling issues as he continues to lead the team in rushing. He has fumbled inside the redzone twice in the past three games, essentially killing game-winning drives. According to sources via ProFootballTalk.com, the Colts are working out running back Ahmad Bradshaw to add depth behind Gore. When healthy, Bradshaw is as dynamic as ever, but the issue is that the past two seasons have ended with him on injured reserve. Now healthy, the Colts might look to bring him back and potentially take the ball out of Gore's hands in the redzone.
"Man, I have to be smarter," Gore said, via ESPN.com. "I'm happy we got the win, but still, man, I know I can play football. I have to play smarter. Trying to make something happen instead of playing smart. I'm putting us in bad situation. [We could have had a] touchdown or field goal. I feel like I'm playing hard, just have to play smarter."
Hasselbeck targeted short passes to Coby Fleener more than downfield throws to TY Hilton which could continue if he is under center in Week 5. It might not change even with Luck under center as the quarterback deals with injuries. Against the Texans, the Colts will need to air it out more as their offensive line prepares to deal with JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney.