Indianapolis Colts say Andrew Luck will return ahead of 2018 season
Saturday 21 April 2018 17:50, UK
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is confident quarterback Andrew Luck will be fit ahead of the 2018 NFL season.
Luck, the No 1 overall draft pick in 2012, has led the Colts to two playoff appearances but missed the entire 2017 season through injury.
The 28-year-old has earned three Pro Bowl selections during his career and holds a number of franchise records with Indianapolis, including most passing yards in a single season.
"[We're] very comfortable where he's at," Ballard said. "Working on his strength part of it, throwing motion. But he's in a good spot.
"I feel good where he's at, feel good about where he's going. Keep working and getting back to playing football. His health is our No 1 priority."
Ballard also said the Colts would not have traded their No 3 draft pick to the New York Jets if the franchise were not confident Luck would be fully fit before the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 9.
"We traded the third pick in the draft to move back to 6," he added. "I think that said we're pretty confident in where he's at."
Jacoby Brissett took Luck's place as starting quarterback for the majority of 2017, after a poor opening week performance by backup Scott Tolzien.
The Colts finished 2017 with a 4-12 record, their first losing season since 2011, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
