The Indianapolis Colts have signed quarterback Josh Johnson as a likely insurance plan if Andrew Luck can't go this weekend, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Luck is recovering from a shoulder injury, and it is unknown at this time if he will be able to play this weekend. The Colts have quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on their roster, and if necessary they will use him Sunday against AFC South rival the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"If necessary, I will be ready to go," said Hasselbeck, via ESPN.
The Colts seem to have faith in their 40-year-old backup quarterback. "He's always been good in practice and when he's been asked to play in games he's done well," said Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, via ESPN. Hasselbeck has been a starter in this league and even led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2005.
While the Colts have Hasselbeck listed as their number two quarterback, it is interesting that they brought in Johnson, because he has limited experience. Johnson was on the 49ers roster for 13 games in 2014, but he never saw any action, according to Indianapolis' WTHR.com. What Johnson does bring to the table is youth, as he is only 29 years old. Johnson was drafted in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but hasn't really produced in the league over the past seven years. Johnson has five touchdown passes to 10 interceptions in 177 passing attempts.
Johnson seems to be an insurance signature as the Colts are likely heavily relying on Luck to make the start. Head Coach Chuck Pagano said he has "supreme confidence," that Luck will make the start against the Jaguars Sunday, via ESPN. The interesting decision the Colts will have to make if Luck can't go is whether to go with a proven veteran who may be long in the tooth or an unproven younger player who has just signed with the team.
