REPORT: Andrew Luck Expected to Return This Season

After hearing nothing definitive about Andrew Luck’s status for about eight months, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Luck will play this season regardless of the Colts’ record.

Colts fans have been left to speculate for themselves whether they would see Luck return to the field this season as Indianapolis’ front office and coaching staff continued to provide very vague answers about his health.

However, last week Chuck Pagano gave a defiant “no” when asked if Luck will be out for the entire 2017 season, and the latest reports out of Indianapolis confirm Pagano’s answer.

Luck is reportedly expected to begin practicing this week. He will need a couple of weeks to build up strength in his shoulder and shake the rust off, but Mortensen expects Luck to return to action sometime between weeks 5 and 7, “barring any setbacks”.

The last line is the kicker considering Luck’s recovery has seemingly been nothing but setbacks ever since his surgery in January.

Mortensen’s sources say “his recent progress has been noticeable and encouraging”, and the Colts can feel confident in him coming back to the field.

With the Colts’ 0-2 start, fans were beginning to believe it may be best for Luck to simply sit out for the rest of the season and get ready for 2018. However, Mortensen reports that Luck’s orthopedic specialists and therapists believe it is best for his long-term recovery if he returns to the playing field once he regains strength and full range of motion in that shoulder.

Colts fans finally have something to look forward to after a long and injury-riddled offseason.