Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was unable to play Thanksgiving night against the Steelers as he remained in the concussion protocol, but team sources said had the game been on a Sunday they believe he would have been cleared based on the progress he was making. Luck is on track to play in Week 13.
Luck was officially ruled out Wednesday when the Colts put out their final injury report, but sources said he continued to feel better Thursday and suffered no setbacks through the weekend. Had it been a normal week, he could have started in what was clearly a huge game for Indianapolis. The Colts anticipate Luck being cleared to practice Monday ahead of their game against the Jets.
The Colts remain in contention for the AFC South title and struggled to put up points in the red zone and, particularly, around the goal line after moving the ball well on Pittsburgh's suspect defense. They failed on two fourth-and-short opportunities near the end zone, and beyond his passing prowess Luck is adept at getting tough yards on his own with keepers and designed runs.
Indianapolis is likely to return backup quarterback Stephen Morris to the practice squad this week. Scott Tolzien, Thursday's starter, heads back to the bench with Luck set to return.
