Andrew Luck Close To Throwing, On Track for Return in 2018

Posted on January 30, 2018, by Bryan Zarpentine

Image via business insider.com

After a nightmarish 4-12 season in 2017 that ultimately cost head coach Chuck Pagano his job, the Indianapolis Colts finally have some good news. According to multiple reports, quarterback Andrew Luck is almost ready to start throwing again. Luck missed the entire 2017 season after undergoing shoulder surgery last offseason. However, a return to throwing in the near future would appear to put Luck on track to be healthy and ready for the 2018 season.

Luck is now a year removed from the initial surgery on his labrum. He sat out training camp last season but did resume throwing early in the season. However, he continued to experience pain in his throwing shoulder after he started to throw. In November, the Colts placed him on injured reserve, taking away any chance of him playing in 2017. Meanwhile, the team stumbled to a 4-12 record. Soon after going on IR, it was announced that Luck would travel to the Netherlands for additional treatment on his shoulder.

Whatever treatment Luck underwent in the Netherlands appears to have worked. In late December, Luck expressed optimism, telling reporters: “The pain has significantly gone down.” Now, a little more than a month later, Luck is reportedly close to throwing again. According to reports, Luck is also set to work with renowned quarterback gurus Tom House and Adam Dedeaux. House and Dedeaux are noted for their work with quarterbacks when it comes to throwing strength and mechanics. They will look to get Luck back on track after an entire year on the sidelines.

Without Luck available in 2017, Jacoby Brissett emerged as Indy’s starting quarterback. Brissett threw for over 3,000 yards and had plenty of encouraging moments during the season. If nothing else, he proved to be a competent NFL backup. However, he’s nowhere near the quarterback Luck is when healthy. With issues elsewhere on the roster, the Colts need Luck at quarterback to help elevate their level of play and make them a team capable of contending for a playoff spot.

It’s also important to note that when Luck is finally ready to return, he’ll be working with a new head coach. The Colts are expected to hire Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels following the Super Bowl. A young, offensive-minded head coach like McDaniels could end up being a great fit for Luck and the Colts. However, the team’s success or failure in 2018 is clearly tied to whether or not Luck is healthy and able to play at the level he did prior to shoulder surgery.

Obviously, no one will know how healthy Luck is for sure until he steps onto the field and throws in an actual game, even a preseason game. After all, the Colts were at one time optimistic he’d be able to play at some point in 2017, so there are reasons to be skeptical. But the news that Luck is almost ready to start throwing and set up to work with two proven quarterback gurus is music to the Colts’ ears. It’s the kind of news that gives them a reason to be optimistic about the 2018 season.