Those of us thinking Sunday would be a quiet day for the Colts because they don’t play until Monday night were shocked by Jay Glazer’s revelation concerning news of Andrew Luck playing with several fractured ribs.
Here are some of the Tweets from Glazer concerning the issue:
Glazer’s reports have proven to be spot on most of the time so it seems likely that besides the shoulder issue that was reported, Luck was likely dealing with fractured ribs at the same time. Fans, reporters, and those who pay extra attention to the team often pressed the organization concerning any additional injuries that Luck may be dealing with since he returned to the starting lineup. I have noted that Luck didn’t seem like himself since his return, but no word ever surfaced out of the Colts complex. This now leads to a question about reporting injuries to the league and did the team do anything improper? The team responded on Sunday with this statement:
“Our injury reports are accurate…if people have any questions about player injuries they should refer to our injury reports.” Colts GM Ryan Grigson reported.
The league has said it will look into the issue concerning the unreported injury sustained by Luck compared to the injury report released by the team. It seems the team feels it did nothing wrong and complied with the rules released by the league.
If the report is true and there seems to be no reason to doubt the validity of the report, it explains the recent struggles that Luck has exhibited since his return from his other injuries. Questions were being raised if he regressed and if had he taken too many hits behind a shaky offensive line. Playing with fractured ribs seem to be a plausible explanation as Luck has never exhibited this type of consistent poor performance. The answer to the question about taking too many hits, it seems to be absolutely yes!
In addition to Glazer’s report, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports indicated that Colts owner Jim Irsay might be looking to make a change in the coaching staff if they limp into their bye week. He further indicated that both head coach Chuck Pagano and offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton would be the obvious contenders to be replaced. Rumors speculate if the move was to occur then Rob Chudzinski and Clyde Christensen would likely move up from their current positions to head coach and offensive coordinator. Some changes to the offensive scheme would most likely occur, but nothing drastic. Many fans have felt Pep has failed to accurately use Luck’s strengths and if the change were to happen that would certainly be an interesting aspect. Would the offense work better without Hamilton?
Here is the link to to full article:
If the Colts were to lose the next two games the team would be 3-6 heading into their bye with the most difficult portion of their schedule behind them and a change might spark a last chance for the team to make a push into the playoffs, with what is considered the worst division, the AFC South.
In my opinion, I think this could potentially happen considering Chuck Pagano is in a lame duck situation and speculation has swirled that Irsay may be looking to bring in a big name that may also affect Grigson. The thinking is a big name coach my want to “shop for the groceries” if they’re going to cook. Names such as Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh, or even the currently employed (but rumored to moving) Sean Payton could control or say as to who would be running player personnel-likely leaving the current Colt GM on the outs.
Monday’s Night’s game against the Panthers is already a pressure cooker for the team and by adding in these latest pieces to the formula for a “Hot Mess Season”. The pressure seems to have increased with added emphasis squarely placed on Luck and Pagano. Luck’s throws will be scrutinized and analyzed because of the latest news and Pagano already is on notice so this game could potentially determine his fate. So, pretty news day for the Colts, right?
