The 2017 season is officially a wash for Andrew Luck.
The Colts said Thursday they are placing their quarterback on injured reserve, ruling him out for the season. The decision finally puts an end to the will-he-or-won't-he drama that has dogged the team and the QB since training camp, with constant updates on Luck's readiness to return that ultimately didn't amount to anything.
“I wish I was better and 100 percent this season, but that’s not the case," Luck told the team's website. "I know I’ll be better from this. I know I’ll be a better quarterback, teammate, person and player from this, and I’m excited for the future."
From 12: pic.twitter.com/A0mT2kdhLs
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 2, 2017
Luck had surgery in January to address a shoulder issue that had nagged him since the 2015 season. While he was able to play through it last season, his first after signing a six-year, $140 million extension, he decided to get it fixed last winter.
The fix never took, leaving the Colts scrambling to replace him from Day 1 after they neglected to bring in a veteran fallback option during the summer. Indianapolis (2-6) ultimately was left to start Scott Tolzien in its opener before acquiring Jacoby Brissett from the Patriots and giving him the reins.
Just Tuesday, Colts worked out QBs Josh Johnson, Matt Barkley, Matt McGloin and Connor Shaw. Knew this day was coming.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2017
There appeared to be signs of hope as Luck returned to practice in early October, but he had to back off after experiencing soreness in his shoulder that led to a cortisone injection.
Now, he'll have time to heal and focus on 2018.
