Andrew Luck, Clayton Geathers Return to Practice, But Still in Concussion Protocol
The Indianapolis Colts received encouraging news during Monday’s practice as starting quarterback Andrew Luck and safety Clayton Geathers were able to practice on a non-contact basis, as they are both still in the league’s concussion protocol:
Chuck Pagano says Andrew Luck and Clayton Geathers are still in the concussion protocol, both non contact red jersey days. Progressing well.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 28, 2016
Both missed last Thursday night’s game, having suffered concussions the Sunday prior against the Tennessee Titans and were unable to pass the league’s concussion protocol in such a short timeframe.
It showed in the Colts 28-7 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as while backup quarterback Scott Tolzien performed admirably in the spot-start on short notice, he simply wasn’t Luck–although to be fair, not many quarterbacks are.
Likewise, the Colts defense failed to slow down Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who threw for 3 passing touchdowns–all to wideout Antonio Brown, while running back Le’Veon Bell ran for 120 total rushing yards on 23 carries (5.2 ypc avg) and a rushing touchdown.
Geathers presence in the lineup as either a hard-hitting safety or hybrid-coverage linebacker likely would’ve at least slowed down some of the defense’s bleeding.
Obviously, having both players back in the starting lineup would be a major boost to the Colts’ chances of beating the New York Jets on Monday Night, and head coach Chuck Pagano anticipates Luck and Geathers being cleared by then respectively:
Pagano anticipates both Luck and Geathers playing Monday night.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 28, 2016
It’s worth noting that in other injury news, both starting center Ryan Kelly (shoulder) and Denzelle Good (neck/shoulder) returned to practice, although Kelly was the only one apparently working with a helmet–at least early on.
However, having both left Thursday night’s game with injuries, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (back) and Vontae Davis (groin) were not seen at practice, yet Pagano doesn’t expect either injury to be long-term. In fact, he expects both players to be back in time for next week’s Monday Night football game.
Of course, if you believe Pagano, it appears that the Colts key injured players are currently “trending in the right direction” and look like they’ll be available against the Jets, which is great news for the team.