Colts won’t rush Luck
The Indianapolis Colts intend to stick to the longterm plan.
Even if it means going into the regular season without quarterback Andrew Luck.
While they believe their biggest investment will be completely healthy eventually and that Luck provides their best chance to win now and into the future, they’re not going to rush Luck back.
And they’re not looking for a quick fix after a 24-10 preseason loss to the visiting Detroit Lions on Sunday.
“I can’t say unequivocally that he [Luck] will be ready for the Rams game,” team owner Jim Irsay said. “But I can say I feel very confident that he will be ready to start the season.”
Luck is on the Colts physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from offseason surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his throwing shoulder.
The Colts have repeatedly said they’re optimistic Luck could open the regular season Sept. 10 against the Rams at the Coliseum. That part hasn’t changed.
But team officials have been mostly restrained about providing specific timetables or updates about exactly what Luck is doing in rehab.
On Sunday, Detroit’s Jake Rudock took advantage of the injury-depleted Colts by throwing two touchdown passes to Kenny Golladay and driving the Lions into position for a field goal.
“You can see the difference between last year and this year at this time,” Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. “He has a better grasp of things around him. He’s in command.”
The second-year pro played most of the first 21⁄2 quarters and completed 13 of 21 passes for 142 yards. Matthew Stafford played one series, going two for three for 36 yards, and left after throwing an interception. Indianapolis finished with 230 total yards — 90 on its final drive — and 14 first downs.
Etc.
Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Marqise Lee was carted off the field with a right leg injury, a potentially significant setback for a team already without rookie running back Leonard Fournette . ... The Chicago Bears were awarded Roberto Aguayo via waivers, the team announced. To make room for the secondyear kicker, the Bears placed wideout Rueben Randle on injured reserve . ... Buffalo Bills receiver Jordan Matthews’ first practice with his new team ended with him sustaining a chest injury . ... Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi joined team drills for the first time since he was sidelined by a concussion July 31.