There probably won't be a miracle recovery in Indianapolis this week. Andrew Luck, who was placed in the concussion protocol on Monday, will probably not be healthy in time for the Colts' Thanksgiving game against the Steelers.
That's according to Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton, who indicated to reporters Tuesday that Luck will not play. Here's what ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported:
Asked on a conference call when the Colts found out Andrew Luck wasn't playing, T.Y. Hilton said, "we found out in the team meeting room when he wasn't there. Coach brought it to our attention." Talked about wanting to "win for him."
But according to the Indianapolis Star's Stephen Holder, there's some confusion about Hilton's comments.
re: T.Y. Hilton's comments to Pittsburgh reporters, I think there's some confusion as to whether he actually said Luck is ruled out. FYI
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 22, 2016
Luck certainly hasn't been ruled out by the #Colts, though I hardly expect him to play. I'm just dealing with known facts at this moment.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 22, 2016
That makes sense. Concussed players don't often get cleared within three days.
In '16, there is only 1 player - #Packers WR Davante Adams - who played Thursday after suffering a concussion on a Sunday, per @NFLResearch.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2016
So, that means it's probably Scott Tolzien time. Tolzien has thrown one pass since the beginning of the 2014 season and has started two games in his career -- both of which came with the Packers. In his career, he's thrown one touchdown and five interceptions. And he'll be up against a team that has the potential to drop 30 on the Colts considering they have Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le'Veon Bell completely healthy.
Still, Hilton was optimistic.
Hilton on the extra practice reps with Tolzien: "We have our timing down. We feel good with Scott back there. We are going to be alright."
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowenColts) November 22, 2016
At 5-5, the Colts are very much alive in the AFC South. After the Texans' controversial loss to the Raiders on Monday night, the Colts are just a game back of the top spot in the division. But it's tough to see the Colts improving to 6-5 without Luck under center.