The Indianapolis Colts are trying to remain patient with Andrew Luck, but the team is growing desperate for his return after getting blown out by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13. With Matt Hasselbeck also dealing with injuries, the team is hopeful that Luck can get healthy quickly and push the team into the postseason. However, it is looking more and more like the quarterback is going to be sticking with his original timeline.
According to the Indianapolis Star, Luck continues to remain out of practice as he nurses a lacerated kidney. The Colts have made it clear that Luck is not out for the season and will return, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that Luck could still be out a few weeks. His original timetable was two to six weeks with the injury and this is only week 5. Owner Jim Irsay originally pegged Week 15 as the return of the quarterback meaning he is not expected to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
According to Mike Wells of ESPN, Hasselbeck is expected to start Week 14 despite suffering neck and rib injuries. According to Wells, an MRI on the quarterback revealed a separated rib, but Hasselbeck is still expected to get on the field for Week 14. Charlie Whitehurst is available as a potential option, but the Colts deem an injured Hasselbeck as the better option.
Regardless of who is under center in Week 14, everyone on the Colts must begin to play better. The team looked awful against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The lone bright spot appeared to be Andre Johnson who continued to put the Colts in position to score, although the team failed to capitalize. Frank Gore was as productive as he could be with 45 yards on the ground and another 49 yards plus a touchdown through the air. That is best versatility they have gotten from the running back all season as TY Hilton and Donte Moncrief struggled in the game. Will this change when Luck returns?
Head coach Chuck Pagano made it clear that there will not be a quarterback controversy when Luck returns. He stated that the quarterback will return as the starter once he is healthy, but when that will be is unknown right now.
"Feeling better every day," Luck said, via the Indianapolis Star. "Getting some good work in, getting back into it and keep working day by day. No timetable right now. I think I'm still focusing on making improvements every day. I'm throwing a little and getting back out there, which is always fun."