Andrew Luck is reportedly "very close" to throwing again, a big milestone in his recovery from shoulder surgery last year.
More than that, it also suggests Luck won't require additional surgery.
According to NFL Media, the Colts quarterback is in Los Angeles working with noted passing-mechanics gurus Tom House and Adam Dedeaux. Since being placed on injured reserve in early November Luck has been working on his strength and conditioning.
Luck missed all of the 2017 season after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum last January. Although he had been expected to fully recover in time to play in 2017, as the season neared the Colts kept pushing back his return timetable. After having Luck throw a bit during the season, the team opted to place him on IR.
A healthy Luck is critical for the Colts' prospects. The team ranked 30th in passing yards last season in his absence, leading to a 4-12 mark. The team has certainly hitched its wagon to his performance; before the 2016 season, Luck signed what was at the time the largest contract in NFL history, a six-year deal worth $140 million.