The starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night is anyone's guess. Earlier in the week the Colts sounded very confident that Andrew Luck was going to be healthy and ready to play against the Houston Texans after missing Week 4 with a shoulder injury. Now he is questionable along with Matt Hasselbeck. Is Josh Johnson prepared to play?
According to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star, the Colts have signed Johnson back to the team as they need a third quarterback option against Houston. Keefer writes that Hasselbeck is dealing with an illness that is keeping him out of practice while Luck continues to be limited. Luck told the media that he is preparing to start and play against the Texans, but the team will not confirm his status. While his throwing shoulder is reportedly making progress, it is not healthy enough to make a definitive call.
"[I'm getting] better every day," Luck said, via ESPN.com. "Good to be out there and be outside ... Prepared to start and play. Again, a chance to go up against a really good football team in the Texans. That's the preparation mindset. If I'm playing, I do not expect to be hindered."
The fact that Luck says he is playing means he likely will. Going up against a tough defensive front like the Houston Texans also means the Colts' offensive line must protect Luck better if he is under center. One big hit from JJ Watt could set the quarterback back in his recovery. A lot will be riding on the line as Indianapolis aims to get the run game working in Week 5. Frank Gore has been dealing with fumbling issues, something head coach Chuck Pagano has been critical of.
The Colts have yet to put together an impressive offensive showing. The team has all of the talent to make them look good on paper, but things still seem to be off. Tight end Dwayne Allen is hopeful that the unit can figure things out as they try to find their identity. With Andre Johnson struggling and Phillip Dorsett having yet to gain consistency, the Colts need everyone moving together to excel.
"What is our identity?" Allen said, via ESPN.com. "We have all these pieces, but what are we? Are we a running team? Are we a passing team? Who are the passing options? Do we want to be better? Yes, of course. Will be better? We'll see."
