Andrew Luck is “Real Close” to Throwing NFL Footballs Says Reich
By Andrew Ites
The Colts have been extremely cautious with Andrew Luck’s recovery since his setback this season. He may be close to taking the next step in rehab according to head coach Frank Reich.
The Colts’ organization has remained positive when discussing Andrew Luck‘s road to recovery all offseason long, even dating back to the 2017 preseason.
However, the truth remains that Luck has not thrown an NFL-sized football since he was shut down in the middle of a potential comeback attempt last season.
Colts fans have been trying to stay patient with Luck’s rehab, but the season is drawing closer and closer each day.
Luck has not, and will not, throw an NFL football during OTA’s, but Frank Reich says that next step in the recovery process is just around the corner according to the Indianapolis Star’s Zak Keefer.
Here's #Colts coach Frank Reich on Andrew Luck today: pic.twitter.com/LphgRLxnif
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) June 7, 2018
More from Horseshoe Heroes
- Colts explored hiring former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky
- When is the NFL Combine 2023? NFL Combine schedule, events, how to stream
- Latest NFL mock draft has Colts trading up to No. 1 for star QB
- Eagles offensive free agents that could follow Shane Steichen to Colts
- Here’s why Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard is going to love Shane Steichen
Reich indicated that his quarterback had been throwing footballs in some comments he made back in March, but Luck clarified those comments by saying the footballs he was working with were not regulation-sized.
One common theme of the Colts’ organization’s public comments about Andrew Luck’s rehab has been explaining that their franchise quarterback is the only one who’s going to know exactly when he’s ready.
The physical recovery from his shoulder surgery in January of 2017 has obviously been difficult, but the mental recovery will be just as important as the recovery of the surgically-repaired ligaments in his shoulder.
Luck needs to have complete confidence in his throwing shoulder before he’s ready to throw NFL footballs at a high level again, and especially before he’s ready to take the field come September.
Next: Chris Ballard Wants to Keep Andrew Luck Healthy in 2018
Seeing some actual evidence of Andrew Luck throwing NFL-sized footballs would go a long way in easing the fears of Colts fans who are apprehensive about the quarterback’s return.
Let’s just hope this next step goes a lot smoother than the last time Luck tried to throw regulation footballs in the middle of last season.