Expectations for Colts’ Andrew Luck This Season

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 18: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts drops back to pass the ball in the second quarter of the game agains the Minnesota Vikings on December 18, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 18: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts drops back to pass the ball in the second quarter of the game agains the Minnesota Vikings on December 18, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Now that Luck has been cleared for training camp with no limitations on what he can do, what are reasonable expectations for his comeback season?

Andrew Luck will be completely healed from his shoulder injury by the time the season starts. He has been working extremely hard to get back and to improve from his previous seasons. But what should Colts fans expect in his first season back since 2016?

The biggest thing fans should expect is some rust. Luck hasn’t played a game in a year and a half. While preseason will help knock some of that off, they aren’t playing in true game speed. He will need three or four games to get the feel of playing in an NFL game back.

With that being said, Luck should still have a big year. Once he is able to work through and knock off that rust, he should be better than ever. He has had an entire year to learn more on the mental side of football, so he should be able to process things even faster.

Luck will also have a better offensive line at his disposal. In fact, this might be the best line he has played behind in his career. Now the line still isn’t a top tier unit. But any sort of improvement is welcome for Luck, who has taken a beating every year of his career.

If Luck doesn’t throw for over 4,000 yards it would be a disappointment. Luck could, and should, have the best year of his career. In Frank Reich‘s new offense, Luck will have an opportunity to showcase his best talents. That include the deep ball and quick crossing routes.

Next: A Comprehensive Guide to Colts Training Camp

The Colts will go as far as Luck can take them. He is a transcendent talent and has the ability to carry the team to the playoffs. Fans can only hope he does it again this year.