The Indianapolis Colts may have Andrew Luck back to start in Week 6 after missing the last two games with an injury, as the quarterback was able to practice on Thursday. Players like Donte Moncrief, Andre Johnson and Frank Gore are solid fantasy football starter options with TY Hilton, while Ahmad Bradshaw has signed to be the backup RB for Gore.
Luck is on his way back from a shoulder injury and while he has not officially been named the starter for Week 6, it looks like the quarterback will return after a two game absence. According to Pro Football Talk, Luck practiced with the team in a limited capacity on Wednesday and he took part in throwing drills, including sideline and down field work. NFL.com reports that Luck was active in practice on Thursday and was throwing for the second straight day and had "no restrictions" on his workout.
Luck has been out for two games and Matt Hasselbeck has started for the Colts, winning over the Jaguars and the Texans. Zak Keefer of The Indianapolis Star reports that Chuck Pagano said that Luck is moving "in the right direction" and according to CSN New England, Hasselbeck said he "it would be a surprise if he (Luck) didn't start." ESPN Colts reporter Mike Wells reports that Luck said he is "pretty darn close" to where he needs to be and at this point, Luck starting looks like a good bet.
Luck has not had much luck against the Patriots in his short career, going 0-4 against the team in the regular season and the playoffs combined. Luck has 11 turnovers in those games and this matchup on Sunday will be the first time the teams are facing off since the AFC Championship game. That game sparked "Deflategate" and that will put a major spotlight as the Patriots head to Indianapolis to play the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium aka "The Drum."
The Colts have made a move to bolster their rushing attack, as NFL.com reports that Ahmad Bradshaw has signed a one-year deal with the Colts. Bradshaw was with the Colts last season and was having a very productive year before getting injured and missing the tail end of the season. Bradshaw had over 400 yards rushing last season and he had six receiving touchdowns and now he adds some depth behind Frank Gore. Bradshaw is a better receiver out of the backfield than Gore and it should help open up the passing game if the rushing attack can be a bit more consistent for Indy.
Fantasy owners should look at Andre Johnson and Donte Moncrief this week, as the Patriots likely will try and shut down TY Hilton for the Colts. Johnson is coming off of his best game with Indy so far after going for six catches and two touchdowns last week, while Moncrief has been very solid as a number two starter this season. Moncrief has 24 catches for 278 yards and three TDs and he has nearly surpassed his numbers from last season already in just five games.