The Indianapolis Colts are still in the hunt for the playoffs, but they need to get their quarterback issues figured out if they have any hope of making a real run. The question is who that quarterback will be to lead them through the AFC. With Andrew Luck out and potentially not coming back, the Colts are putting their hope in Matt Hasselbeck who also left with an injury in Week 14.
Luck has been out with a kidney issue and might not return. According to Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, Luck might not play again this season as the quarterback told the media that he does not feel healthy yet. ESPN.com is reporting that Luck is unable to run at the moment as doctors do not want his heart rate increasing and pumping more blood into his injured kidneys. He has not practiced and cannot have his workouts elevated until fully cleared. According to Luck he does not feel that he is at 100 percent and might not be for the rest of the season.
Team owner Jim Irsay was hopeful that Luck was going to be able to play by now, but that has not been the case leaving Hasselbeck in the starting spot. According to ESPN's Mike Wells confirmed by head coach Chuck Pagano, Hasselbeck should be available for Week 15 play after the quarterback left Sunday's loss following a hard hit. He then had his arm in a sling which Pagano said was for spasms.
Yeah, I'm hopeful," Pagano said, via ESPN.com. "He's banged up, like a lot of the guys. He's a warrior. He came back in that game after taking a few good licks. Matt is a tough guy and great competitor. I fully anticipate him being available for us."
Charlie Whitehurst stepped in for Hasselbeck to finish the game. He went 2-for-8 for 8 yards and one interception. He would be the team's only starting option should the veteran be out. That will put plenty of pressure on the run game. Frank Gore got 60 yards in the loss while Daniel Herron rotated in with 16 yards. TY Hilton had a big game against Jacksonville to the tune of 132 yards, but he never found the endzone. He, Donte Moncrief and Andre Johnson need to improve in a critical matchup against the Houston Texans.
The Colts need Luck to win the AFC South. Without the quarterback their chances of getting through the division are slim. A win against the Texans will certainly help, but the return of Luck would make all the difference. However, that might not happen this year.
