NFL
Andrew Luck To Play In Colts’ Preseason Opener
Quarterback Andrew Luck is expected to play in the Indianapolis Colts’ preseason opener, according to head coach Frank Reich. The Colts, who start their preseason August 9 in Seattle, will have Luck at quarterback for the first time since 2016.
Luck has had a long and arduous road to recovery since his 2016 shoulder surgery. The decision to undergo surgery was significant for Luck, who’d been struggling through issues with his throwing shoulder since 2015. After the Colts placed him on injury reserve in early November, Luck traveled to Europe for treatment. Further rehabilitation soon followed with a throwing coach in Los Angeles.
Fortunately for Indy, Luck was finally cleared for full participation in Colts training camp. While the Colts are understandably hesitant to rush him back in, Luck’s clearance for preseason play is an encouraging development.
The Colts staggered to a dismal four wins in the 19 months since Luck’s last snap. Without Luck, the Colts turned to newly-acquired Jacoby Brissett to lead the offense. Despite some promising moments, Brissett struggled in the starting role. In his first 11 starts, Brissett managed only two games without a turnover. As the season wore on, it became increasingly clear just how badly the Colts needed their franchise quarterback.
Luck, for his part, seems focused on seeing his recovery through and getting back to practice:
“I’m not kidding myself that there’s many, many steps to go. This is one of them. We have a lot of work to do. I have a lot of work to do. That to me is exciting […] It’ll be interesting to step on the field again and practice.”
The Colts will hope for Andrew Luck to be at full health by the start of the regular season. In Week 1, the Colts will take on the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
