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Chuck Pagano Explains Sunday’s Decision to Rest Andrew Luck

By Luke Schultheis

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano explained the team brass’s decision-making and evaluation process in resting star quarterback Andrew Luck after Sunday’s 16-13 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pagano noted specifically that the decision was made earlier Sunday morning and was because of a lack of demonstrated arm strength from Luck:

"“This morning,” Pagano replied postgame when asked when the decision to sit Luck was officially made. “We worked him out yesterday, and he was trending in the right direction throughout the course of the week. We worked him out Saturday morning, and we were hopeful that maybe he could come in this morning. We were going to evaluate him and see how he felt. Just wasn’t ready.”“When Andrew came over here this morning, and we woke up this morning, and he wasn’t quite there and didn’t have the arm strength and all of that stuff, we decided to go with Matt (Hasselbeck),” added Pagano.“He made progress all week,” said Pagano. “He made progress and so we’re going to continue. He’s getting treatment right now. He’ll work out tomorrow, and we’ll take it day-to-day and see where he’s at.”"

Of course, this only confirms an earlier report from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, in which Luck apparently had a private throwing session for Colts coaches on Saturday:

However, the encouraging news also per Rapoport is that Luck has reportedly no structural damage in his throwing shoulder, and it appears it could just be a bruising/soreness issue going forward:

Whatever the case may be, the Colts and Luck have a quick turnaround for their next game, as the team travels to Houston this week to play the Texans on Thursday Night Football.

While the Colts managed to pull off the win today behind the heroics of backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, a matchup on the road against the Texans should prove to be a far tougher test and one they’d ideally like to have Luck return for all things considered.

Next: Colts Escape Jaguars in Overtime, 16-13

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