Hard Luck story might still have a happy ending
One of the most disheartening stories in the NFL this season has been Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck being unable to play because of continuing problems with his right shoulder.
It’s been almost a year since Luck underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. His shoulder hasn’t been right since the operation. He even went to Europe for unspecified treatment that’s supposed to help him return next season, when he’ll turn 29.
“I know one thing,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano said Wednesday. “That kid will be back, and he’ll be back better than ever.”
Unfortunately for Pagano and the Colts, Luck won’t be back Sunday when they host the Texans in the last game of the season.
Ordinarily, a healthy Luck would be preparing to play at Lucas Oil Stadium against his hometown team that tormented him last season with three- and five-point victories.
Ordinarily, Luck’s relatives, friends and fans would be preparing to watch him on television as they have since he left Stanford a year early for the NFL.
Obviously, the Colts would be a much better team with a healthy Luck, possibly competing for the AFC South title or a wild-card playoff berth.
Pagano a possible casualty
Not having Luck has caused the Colts to drag a 3-12 record into the Texans game. Not having Luck is a major reason — perhaps the only reason — Pagano is expected to lose his job after six seasons.
“It’s been a huge challenge, obviously,” Pagano said. “You never want to be without your quarterback.”
Pagano and Luck arrived in Indianapolis in 2012. They helped turn the Colts into a Super Bowl contender.
Then Luck’s rambunctious style started to catch up with him. A sprained shoulder, a concussion, a muscle tear in his abdomen and a lacerated kidney caused him to miss games.
No one had a clue that the sprained right shoulder Luck suffered early in the 2015 season would cause him so much grief in 2017.
In 2016, Luck played with that sore shoulder. He completed 63.5 percent, threw for 4,240 yards and 31 touchdowns. He had 13 interceptions, was sacked 41 times and compiled a 96.4 rating.
In mid-January, Luck underwent the surgery to repair the damage to his labrum. Owner Jim Irsay later tweeted his quarterback was expected to be ready for the season.
When Luck was activated from the reserve/physically unable to perform list, he participated in practice. His shoulder didn’t feel right. He was placed on injured reserve and shut down for the season.
“I hate it for this organization,” Pagano said. “I hate it for our fans. I hate it for the city. And I hate it for his teammates, but, mostly, I hate it for him.
“He’s a great competitor and a great player, and I know this is killing him and has killed him not to be out there and be able to go to battle week-in and weekout with his teammates.”
Not only is Luck a gifted player who’s extremely tough mentally and physically, but he’s a dynamic leader who takes immense pride in playing well and winning.
Determined to return
Having to be an expensive cheerleader and de-facto assistant coach when he’s in town and can attend games is not what Luck signed up for.
Luck is determined to return next season. A recent ESPN report said he may be forced to undergo surgery to relieve pain from tendinitis in his right bicep that could require a three- to sixmonths recovery but should not jeopardize his 2018 season. The ESPN report said the problem with Luck’s bicep is tied into the problem with his labrum.
Pagano knows Luck well enough to believe the quarterback can handle whatever is required of him physically and mentally.
“Overcoming adversity and going through what he’s going through, he’s going to be that much stronger, that much tougher, that much more resilient for the next set of circumstances that come his way,” Pagano said. “He’s going to be a better man (and) a better player.
“He’s going to be better in all areas for having gone through this season and fight back and fight through this adversity. It’ll be awesome for him to get back on the field.”
Meanwhile, Luck will continue his rehabilitation, consult with a plethora of specialists and seek advice from his No. 1 fan, Oliver Luck, who’s been unable to see his son play for the first time since Andrew strapped on a pair of shoulder pads in Houston.
Hopefully for the Luck family — not to mention the Colts — they won’t have to experience this misfortune again.