The Indianapolis Colts suffered a tough defeat against the Jaguars on Sunday and the team saw quarterback Matt Hasselbeck deal with a rib injury that knocked him out of the game. The Colts are expecting Andrew Luck to return for Week 15 against the Houston Texans and that is a game that could ultimately decide the AFC South division title.
The Colts were blown out by the Jaguars on Sunday 50-16 and Hasselbeck had to leave the game with a rib injury and that could put his status in question for Week 15. Charlie Whitehurst came in for Hasselbeck against the Jaguars and if Andrew Luck can't return and Hasselbeck is seriously injured, it could be Whitehurst who starts against the Texans next week. Houston lost against the Patriots Sunday night, leaving Indy with the AFC South lead for the time being.
Luck does not have a set date to return for the Colts, but according to NFL.com, Ian Rapoport reports that owner Jim Irsay is expecting Luck to return by Week 15. The team is expecting Luck to be back against either the Texans or the Dolphins over the next two weeks and he has not played since Week 9 against the Denver Broncos after suffering the injury. Head coach Chuck Pagano called Luck "week-to-week" and he comes in after working on side-field throwing in practice last week.
Hasselbeck was injured after being tackled on the sidelines by linebacker Telvin Smith and that forced the quarterback to leave the game and he did not return. Hasselbeck was already dealing with a rib issue coming into the game on Sunday and the team is expected to update his status after more testing on Monday. Whitehurst came into the game and finished for the Colts and he could end up playing again on Sunday if Luck and Hasselbeck have to sit out.
The Colts still remain in the lead for the AFC South after the Texans lost to the Patriots and that adds even more weight to the matchup next week. The Texans have slipped back in the wild card race after the loss and the division title likely will be the only way or Houston or Indianapolis to make the playoffs.
TY Hilton had the best performance for the Colts on Sunday, putting up four catches for 132 yards, but his value going forward will depend on the health of the quarterbacks. Frank Gore had 60 yards on 16 carries on Sunday, while Donte Moncrief finished with three catches for 52 yards. The Colts offense and fantasy owners are hoping Luck can return next week against Houston.