The Indianapolis Colts were already swimming upstream this season with a weak roster, but things are getting even uglier with Andrew Luck projected out for a few more weeks.
When Andrew Luck went under the knife in January to repair his throwing shoulder, maybe believed he would be back in time for the beginning of training camp. However, Indianapolis placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list, and didn’t remove him until the deadline last Saturday.
While Luck is eligible to be made active at any point, NFL insider Ian Rapoport doesn’t believe that day is coming anytime soon. In fact, Rapoport is stating that Luck will be out through the month of September, potentially having him miss a quarter of the season.
The Colts open up the season at Los Angeles on Sunday, taking on the Rams. After that, Indianapolis returns home for a pair of games against the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns. Luckily for head coach Chuck Pagano — who is on the hot seat already — the docket isn’t too daunting. Unluckily for Pagano, he has Scott Tolzien as his starting quarterback, with newly-acquired Jacoby Brissett waiting in the wings should Tolzien flame out. In three career NFL starts, the former University of Wisconsin product is winless.
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Indianapolis isn’t expected to compete in the AFC South this season with Luck on the shelf. The Tennessee Titans are drastically improved while the Houston Texans remain a tough out with a stellar defense.
The biggest concern is not record for the Colts, but Luck’s long-term health. He’s starting to wear down behind what has been an atrocious offensive line, playing in only 22 games over the past two seasons.