Indianapolis Colts: Truth behind Andrew Luck injury

What is the truth behind Andrew Luck’s injury? The Indianapolis Colts continue to state publicly that he is healthy and on track, yet the facts paint a much darker picture.

Its not simply that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is injured, its how his injury has been handled that’s the bigger concern. Publicly stating a lie is one thing, but changing that lie along the way is what we’re dealing with in Indianapolis. How hurt is Luck? Will he ever return to the field, let alone at his former high level of play?

The questions keep pouring in as Luck appears no closer to playing football than he did two years ago. This is a sad story for everyone involved, so what’s the real truth behind his injury?

Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, debate the Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck in today’s NFL Sports Debate.

Dan Salem:

What’s the truth about Andrew Luck’s future in the NFL? I feel as though we’ve been strung along for years now regarding his injuries, their severity, and the likelihood of him actually playing football for the Indianapolis Colts. Maybe if there was a clear plan to deal with his return, absence, and the mess in between, Indianapolis would not have been spurned by Josh McDaniels. Just saying.

Prior to McDaniels deciding not to be the Colts new head coach, I never questioned Luck’s ability to return in 2018. I assumed he would be their starting quarterback come Week 1, yet we held the exact same assumption this time last offseason. In truth, we were led to believe he would be Indy’s starter in Week 1 of the 2017 season up until August. The Colts struggled mightily last season without him, yet I’m not convinced they would have sniffed the playoffs regardless. Their division is now very strong top to bottom.

Using history as a lesson, its safe to assume we have no idea whether Luck will return in 2018. Reports are now surfacing that he may require an additional shoulder surgery. Considering he is a quarterback and utilizes his shoulder for literally everything, this is a big deal. If Luck ever sees the field again, he will not be the same player.

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As a New York Jets fan, I am very familiar with shoulder injuries derailing a promising career. Chad Pennington dealt with the same thing and it ended his tenure with the Jets. Only after multiple seasons and a step backwards in terms of playing time, did Pennington finally find success as the Miami Dolphins quarterback. But he had to adapt and change his game, because he was a different player after the injury.

I liked McDaniels as the Colts head coach because I believed he would adapt the offense to fit whichever player Luck must be. He was accustomed to doing so with Tom Brady, who is strictly a pocket passer. Luck was more dynamic with his legs, but might not be any longer. He too might be a dink and dunk quarterback. Or he might not play in 2018. What do you make of this utter mess in Indianapolis?

Todd Salem:

The Colts have a number of issues right now, though I’m not sure the McDaniels play and Luck’s future are tied together as closely as one would think. On the surface, it seems easily plausible that McDaniels accepted the job of Indianapolis head coach, subsequently received some kind of news about Luck needing a second surgery, and then got cold feet. However, I’m not sure either of those things are true.

According to general manager Chris Ballard, Luck is not going to need the second surgery. More from Ballard: “[Luck] has not picked up a football, but he’s throwing balls.” Uh, what kind? Anyway, while it’s certainly possible Luck ends up needing another surgery or, as you said, is never the same quarterback upon his return, the news at this very moment seems somewhat positive.

That means McDaniels backed out because of his ties to New England and perhaps a fear of failing a second time as a head coach in a less-than-ideal situation. Many head coaches get second chances after failing once. Few get third chances after failing twice, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the opportunities. Of course, this is not a good look for McDaniels at all. Who knows if another club will trust him down the road.

More Colts: 5 Reasons to Move on From Andrew Luck

The Colts are probably better off without him, but they still need someone. They will be forced to glean the bottom of the barrel for head coaching candidates, which puts them behind the eight ball come the offseason. Questions about Luck are obviously the bigger deal. A Pro Bowl quarterback helps cover up coaching deficiencies. Jacoby Brissett does no such thing. The suddenly and surprisingly tough AFC South means Indy enters next season as the projected fourth-place squad. McDaniels wasn’t pulling it out of that immediately. The franchise may be better off getting someone who actually wants to be there.