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Andrew Luck Will Play in Limited Action Against Bills, But Other Starters Ruled Out

By Luke Schultheis

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass under pressure by Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Colts 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass under pressure by Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Colts 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano announced on Thursday that starting quarterback Andrew Luck would play in limited action against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday along with other starters, but the team would be without some of their key players.

Aug 7, 2016; Canton, OH, USA; Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers talks with Scott Tolkien and Andrew Luck after the NFL pre-season game between the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts was cancelled at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium Mandatory Credit: Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Network
Aug 7, 2016; Canton, OH, USA; Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers talks with Scott Tolkien and Andrew Luck after the NFL pre-season game between the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts was cancelled at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium Mandatory Credit: Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Network /

Specifically, DE Henry Anderson (knee), CB Jalil Brown (ankle), S Clayton Geathers (foot), DL Art Jones (ankle), DE Kendall Langford (knee), CB Tevin Mitchel (hamstring), D’Joun Smith (knee), Hugh Thornton (ankle) have already all been ruled out for the team’s preseason opener.

For positive news, two starting offensive lineman Ryan Kelly (shoulder) and Joe Reitz (groin) returned to practice this week after missing time with injuries and look like safe bets to be penciled into this weekend’s starting lineup at center and right tackle respectively.

The preliminary plan is for Luck, as well as the remaining starters to play 1-2 series before turning it over to the team’s backups and younger players. However, the longer the drive, the more likely it is that Luck sits after just one offensive series.

Having had last week’s planned preseason opener cancelled because of a “bad paint job” to conclude Hall of Fame weekend, the Colts will finally get to play football this week after much prolonged anticipation.

It’s a great opportunity for some of the team’s bubble players lower on the depth chart to make their mark and leave a lasting impression on coaches and the front office. However, here’s hoping everyone stays healthy in the process–both starters and backups alike.

These two teams met last season at Ralph Wilson Stadium, only it was the Colts regular season opener that time around. Of course, the Bills won 27-14, so the Colts will be playing with a little bit of revenge on their mind–at least until they realize it’s only preseason.

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