Andrew Luck played in just seven games for the Indianapolis Colts last year due to kidney and shoulder injuries that kept him on the sideline. With the 2016 season just a couple months away, the 2012 1st overall pick is apparently still rehabbing.
“I still have some work to do, certainly,” Luck said about getting back to 100%. “It’s been a process that we laid down in basically that first week after the season ended with our trainers and physical therapists, coaches and myself. We said, ‘Here’s the plan basically until training camp starts and let’s follow this plan.’ It’s been a great plan so far. I feel really, really good.”
Fortunately for Luck, he won’t have to start on-the-field drills for a couple weeks, giving him more time to get better.
According to Colts.com, the quarterback participated in the first phase of the Colts’ eight-week offseason program on Monday. Right now the program is in phase one, which only focuses on weight work, conditioning, and rehabilitation from injuries. Phase two won’t begin until May, and that’s when on-the-field work will begin.
In the mean time, Luck isn’t being clear on whether or not he is still in pain or has restrictions on what he can and can’t do.
“I don’t have to answer that question now because we’re not on the field. I wish I had a crystal ball and had all the answers for you,” Luck told ESPN.
Team owner Jim Irsay and head coach Chuck Pagano told ESPN during last month’s NFL owners meetings the quarterback has to do a better job protecting himself. Due to his competitive makeup, Luck might take too many hits, which could result in more injuries down the road.
With just one year left on Luck’s contract, the team would like to sign him long-term this offseason, but the injuries could present some troubles. Luck dominated his first four seasons in the league, with his best year coming in 2014 before he got injured. Two years ago, Luck started all 16 games and threw 40 touchdowns to only 16 interceptions.
With the 2016 season around the corner, Luck is still working to get back to 100% for himself and his teammates.
“He’s hungry,” Wide Receiver T.Y Hilton said. “He’s back being Andrew. He took center stage today. When we finished working out, he let his voice be known that he’s back. I think he’s putting more on his shoulders now that he’s back. He’s going to take more of a leadership role.”
So now it’s only a matter of whether or not there’s enough time to do that.
