This season, Indianapolis has been without its franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck. On Sunday, the Colts won their first game of the season with a 31-28 victory over the winless Cleveland Browns. Reports out of Indianapolis have Luck possibly returning to practice this week.
"He might be able to start some practice this week," said Colts head coach Chuck Pagano on Monday. "I'm not guaranteeing nothing so don't write anything that (says), 'Hey, he's going to be out at practice.' There's a possibility. When our doctors and trainers tell me that he's at a point where he can return to practice, then I'll be sure to tell you for sure. He's doing well."
Luck, who started throwing again in late-July following surgery in January to repair a partially torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, has not practiced with his teammates since the final week of the 2016 season. He missed all of the Colts' minicamps, organized team activities, training camp, and every preseason and regular season practice since.
Stephen Holder of the IndyStar believes Luck will not be ready to take the field when the Colts host the 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, which happens to be when the team plans to retire Peyton Manning's number and induct the future Hall of Fame quarterback into its Ring of Honor.
Over the weekend, Ian Rapaport of NFL Network reported that Luck was likely to return for the Colts' Week 6 contest against the Tennessee Titans, which is the week after the Colts host the 49ers.
San Francisco's road game against the Colts is largely viewed as the 49ers' next most winnable game, mostly due to the absence of Luck. On Tuesday, the 49ers opened as 7.5-point underdogs to their next opponent – the Cardinals.
In Luck's absence, the Colts' current starting signal caller is former Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett, for whom Indianapolis traded on September 2. During Sunday's victory over the Browns, Brissett went 17-of-24 for 259 yards and a touchdown through the air to go along with two rushing touchdowns.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Report: Nick Bosa likely to make his 49ers return against the Rams
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, listed as questionable for Thursday night's primetime matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, is likely to play, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. However, the team will assess his readiness during pre-game warmups to ensure he can... -
49ers vs. Rams injury report: Guerendo, Bosa, Williams miss only Week 15 practice
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 15 contest against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers were without several key players during Tuesday's practice, the team's only full session of the week. Defensive end... -
49ers practice and media schedule: Preparing for the Week 15 matchup vs. Rams
The San Francisco 49ers will hold one full practice this week as they prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled to speak with the media. The 49ers... -
Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy share final updates ahead of 49ers-Bears Week 14 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke with reporters after Friday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 14 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Here's everything they said. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers...