According to the Indianapolis Star’s Zak Keefer, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been limited to a “liquid diet” this week, as he battles a jaw injury suffered in last weekend’s game:
"“There’s no way around it,” writes Keefer. “Matt Hasselbeck is beat to crap. The back. The neck. The ribs. And now this: So damaged was the jaw of the 40-year-old Hasselbeck after Sunday’s loss to Houston, he’s been on what amounts to a liquid diet since – oatmeal and yogurt and the like. (He’s hoping to return to solid foods Thursday.) All of which isn’t exactly ideal for an NFL quarterback about to make his eighth start of the season Sunday (1 p.m., CBS) against a defensive front that includes Ndamukong Suh.”"
Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) walks off the field after being hurt against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
While Hasselbeck is expected to start on Sunday against the Dolphins, his physical health could be a major concern throughout the course of the game, having already suffered through a number of other physical ailments. By consuming a liquid diet this past week, Hasselbeck will assuredly not be at full strength for a quarterback who was already plenty banged up enough.
The 40 year old quarterback was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, but should once again receive his 6th consecutive start in relief of starting quarterback Andrew Luck.
However, whether Hasselbeck actually finishes the game could be another story entirely. The 17-year veteran quarterback has been knocked out of 3 consecutive games, although he did manage to return late in last Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans.
If Hasselbeck is forced out of the game, the Colts would be forced to turn to 3rd-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, so it’s not otherwise a promising quarterback situation for a team with slim hopes of a playoff berth.