Andrew Luck says he still isn’t 100 percent
By Evan Reller
As the Indianapolis Colts return for voluntary workouts, Andrew Luck admitted that he wasn’t sure if he was back to form.
The Colts are back in town and the media was allowed to talk with players for the first time since the season ended. Drawing the biggest crowd of reporters was of course Andrew Luck. He hasn’t spoken publicly for some time and everyone wanted an update on his recovery from a multitude of injuries last season.
His answers were surprising. Colts owner Jim Irsay is on record as saying that Luck is back to 100 percent and completely cleared for activities. The same has been hinted by coach Chuck Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson.
Per the IndyStar’s Zak Keefer, Luck said “I still have some work to do.” Luck was asked about his availability for the upcoming workouts, and his answer wasn’t a clear ‘yes.’
"“I don’t have to answer that question yet,” Luck said in typical Luck fashion, politely answering with a non-answer. “Because we aren’t on the field. I wish I had a crystal ball, I’d have all the answers for you.”"
There are a lot of unanswered questions here. Luck might just be being intentionally vague but it could also be that he genuinely doesn’t know. Luck probably hasn’t been doing intense workouts lately and likely hasn’t suited up in full pads very often, or at all, over the past few months.
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Being on the field and doing standard football drills is different than working out in the weight room or on a VR simulator.
On November 8, Luck suffered a hit from Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan and lineman Vance Walker late in the game. Luck finished the game only to find out a few days later he’d suffered a lacerated kidney. The Colts initially said he’d be out 2-6 weeks but he never returned to the field.
That wasn’t the only injury for Luck either. There was the shoulder subluxation suffered against the Titans in Week 3 that sidelined him for two games as well as reports of multiple fractured ribs before that.
There is a good chance the Luck simply doesn’t trust his body right now. He need to build back his confidence after a “mentally, physically and emotionally” draining season in 2015. Recovering from so many injuries isn’t easy and until Luck can take some snaps and regain his confidence he probably won’t feel like he’s at 100 percent.
This is exactly what these offseason workouts are for. Every player needs to ease their body back into the game and Luck is no exception. These offseason workouts are arguably more important for the players that are returning from an injury as they need to get back into a routine.
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There is so much time before the Colts even head to Anderson, Ind. for training camp that this news isn’t very concerning. Luck will probably have a much different answer later this week about his health and an even different response after minicamp in June.
No need to panic Colts fans, Luck will be fine. He just needs to get back into the football routine, just like every other player on the roster.