The Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday made official what we already knew when they ruled out Andrew Luck for Week 5, and they still are not providing a timeline for when the star quarterback might return.
Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said Luck will return to practice on Wednesday in a very limited capacity and then stick to a strict rehab schedule going forward.
Andrew Luck will do individual drills, routes vs. air (to WRs) then work w trainers for remainder of practice. Slow playing this for sure.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 4, 2017
Luck will not practice tomorrow. Rehab only. Then he will return on Friday. They have a very specific schedule.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 4, 2017
Pagano: "There's a pitch count. There's a number." Keeping an eye on how many throws he makes and *which* throws. Trying not overextend him.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 4, 2017
Asked Pagano whether there is a tentative timeline on Luck returning to the field. He says there is not.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 4, 2017
Pagano said earlier this week that Luck has been progressing nicely, and one report indicated he could return as early as Week 6. While the Colts chose not to keep Luck on the PUP list to start the season because they hoped he’d be ready sooner, it seems like the 28-year-old has not recovered from offseason shoulder surgery as quickly as many expected.
The Colts are 1-3 and have gotten inconsistent play from Jacoby Brissett while Luck remains out. They desperately need their starting QB back on the field, but they are not going to rush him after he played hurt last year. One former NFL team doctor doesn’t think fans should expect to see Luck suit up on game day anytime soon.
