Colts quarterback Luck tossing footballs again

INDIANAPOLIS — Andrew Luck’s big secret is finally out. He’s been throwing a football for weeks — and now he’s throwing in public, too.

Nearly 17 months after surgery on his right shoulder, Luck jogged onto the practice field Tuesday wearing a red jersey, strapping on a helmet and picking up a special ball as he started throwing in front of reporters for the first time since October.

No, it wasn’t a regulation NFL ball and the longest pass he attempted was a 20-yard lob, but it was progress.

“It’s a lighter football,” Luck said. “It’s sort of a bridge. I’ve thrown a real football, ‘The Duke,’ whatever you want to call it. I’ve picked it up and I’ve thrown it and it felt great. And honestly, there was a little mental block to doing it and I had to do it sort of by myself.”

The Colts have been tightlipped about Luck’s progression. Just last week, coach Frank Reich said Luck was “real close” to throwing.

He even played “toss” with Luck three weeks ago. Luck then swore him to secrecy, and Reich obliged.

The wait for Luck’s expected return from a partially torn labrum, has been as agonizing for Luck as it has been for Colts’ fans.

Reich and team owner Jim Irsay believe Luck will make his first start in almost 21 months when the Cincinnati Bengals come to town Sept. 9. Luck agrees.

“I just believe I’m on the right path ... I believe I’ll be a better quarterback for this team, a better teammate.”