Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Andrew Luck has reportedly cleared concussion protocol. He will start on Monday night against the New York Jets.
Despite being 5-6 on the year, the Indianapolis Colts are very much alive in the AFC South race. They are in win-now mode and will be getting a huge boost back on Monday night.
Starting quarterback and easily the best player on the team, Andrew Luck has cleared the concussion protocol and will play on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.
This is huge news for both the Colts and ESPN, the employer of Adam Caplan who first reported Luck cleared concussion protocol. With the Tennessee Titans being on a bye this week, the Colts could conceivably be in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC South at the end of the week.
#Colts QB Andrew Luck has completed concussion protocol and will start Monday night at #Jets. He was removed from injury report.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) December 3, 2016
This can happen if the Colts beat a bad 3-8 Jets team on the road and the Green Bay Packers beat the Houston Texans (6-5) at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. Luck’s return to the Colts starting lineup would be a huge factor in Indianapolis being able to win on the road.
Luck entered concussion protocol in Week 12 after sustaining a hit to the head in the Colts’ Week 11 win over the Titans. The Colts had to roll with backup quarterback Scott Tolzien over Luck, as he could not play on Thanksgiving night. Indianapolis was crushed at home by the Pittsburgh Steelers to fall to 5-6.
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If Indianapolis is going to win the AFC South, the Colts have to beat the Jets on the road this week. His return to the field for the Colts will certainly improve the ratings of Monday Night Football. The ratings will be great, especially if the Texans lose in Green Bay on Sunday.