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What do the Indianapolis Colts do with Andrew Luck?

By Luke Drage

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Chuck Pagano looks on prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Chuck Pagano looks on prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Start him when healthy

This is the most likely to occur. Chuck Pagano is fighting for his job and will want to have his franchise quarterback under center as soon as possible.

Without Luck, the Colts could feasibly lose every game. This would undeniably cost Pagano his job. But, will the former Ravens DC still be in charge when number 12 returns?

A lot of rumours suggest Pagano is on the hot seat. Media members have already begun speculating as to who his replacement could be. Fox Sport’s Jason Whitlock suggests that Irsay will put in a call to former 49ers head coach, and current coach of Michigan, Jim Harbaugh.

Even if Pagano retains his job and Luck makes an early October return, there is no guarantee the franchise leader will be able to lift this roster to any kind of winning season. And, the inability of the offensive line to provide consistent protection could lead to him picking up another injury.

Having not practiced all offseason, Luck will be rusty and even an October return seems rushed at this stage. Luck will want to be back as soon as humanly possible and the coaching staff will want that too, but this is risky.

The the sixth year pro hasn’t been fully healthy since the start of his fourth season. He should be afforded ample time to recover completely before being introduced into what will be a baptism of fire behind one of the league’s worst O-Lines.

This brings us to the second option for the Colts.

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