Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck returned to practice Wednesday, according to Colts reporter Mike Chappell. It's unclear if Luck will be able to return this weekend against AFC South rival the Houston Texans, but the Colts franchise quarterback reportedly would have no higher risk of re-injuring his kidney, according to Chappell.
Luck was originally diagnosed with a lacerated kidney that was expected to sideline him anywhere from 2-6 weeks, and he could make his return this weekend. "My suggestion would be the risk of re-injuring it would be the same as before," said Joel Kory, a physician with St. Vincent Sports Medicine, via Fox 59. "It could happen again, but it's not like a concussion where once you get one, you're a little bit higher risk of getting another. Kidney injuries aren't like that. Once it's healed, it's healed."
Luck returned to practice Wednesday to work on throwing the ball, running sprints and lifting weights all under the supervision of trainers and doctors, according to Chappell. Luck still requires medical clearance to play this weekend and is still not 100 percent recovered from his injuries.
Backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck did not practice Wednesday and was seen with his left arm in a sling in what is being called a rib injury, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. Hasselbeck is expected to return to practice on Thursday. Third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst will be the Colts' insurance plan, but he struggled in relief for Hasselbeck last weekend, only completing two passes and an interception against the Jaguars.
The Colts are currently fighting for the postseason lives, and with both Indianapolis and Houston 6-7 on the year, Sunday's matchup in Lucas Oil Stadium could determine who wins this division. For that reason the Colts are likely going to wait until Saturday before they make an announcement about Luck, as they will want to keep Houston guessing, according to Chappell. Both teams have clearly struggled this season, but know Sunday's game could be a huge momentum shift in turning one of these teams into the frontrunner in the AFC South.
