Andrew Luck returns to practice for Indianapolis Colts
After missing a loss on Thanksgiving night, Andrew Luck was back at Indianapolis Colts practice on Monday.
A week ago, the news emerged that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was in the NFL’s concussion protocol heading into a short week. He missed the team’s 28-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thanksgiving night, as Scott Tolzien started in is place, but the Colts resumed practice Monday with some good news.
Out at #Colts practice, and Andrew Luck is out here.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 28, 2016
The Colts have the longest week possible between consecutive games, with their Week 13 game coming next Monday night against the New York Jets. That automatically was going to work to Luck’s advantage as he gets completely cleared from concussion protocol, likely with time to spare, and his return to some level of practice activity on Monday points to him being in the final stages.
Coaches are either incredibly secretive or overly optimistic when it comes to injuries. Colts head coach Chuck Pagano generally falls on that latter side of that ledger, but his sentiment after Monday’s practice is still worth noting,
Pagano anticipates both Luck and Geathers playing Monday night.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 28, 2016
At 5-6 heading into December, the Colts are behind the Houston Texans (6-5) and the Tennessee Titans (6-6) in the AFC South. A season sweep over the Titans should be to their advantage as the division title gets decided down the stretch, but if the Colts lose at home in Week 14 they’ll lose the season series to Houston.
Three of Indianapolis’ final five games are on the road, including next week against the Jets and then back-to-back games in Week 15 (Minnesota Vikings) and Week 16 (Oakland Raiders). A wild card berth looks unlikely, so winning the division is the clearest path to the playoffs and the Colts’ schedule won’t do them any favors.
Next: NFL Week 13: Odds for each game
Luck’s presence has consistently helped overcome a lot of the flaws around him. His quick return from a concussion is obviously good news, as the Colts cling to their playoff chances ahead of a stretch of must-win games.