Colts' Andrew Luck still limited, Matt Hasselbeck misses practice

We're just a couple of days away from the Indianapolis Colts returning to the field to take on the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football, and that means that today was the final day of media availability before the game.  As such, the Andrew Luck watch was in full swing, but like usual, we didn't learn much.

During the portion of practice open to the media, Andrew Luck and Matt Hasselbeck were nowhere to be seen, instead leaving only practice squad quarterback Alex Tanney outside.  That didn't mean much, however, as Luck and Hasselbeck simply could have been working out inside during that portion of practice.

Head coach Chuck Pagano provided an update after practice, saying that Andrew Luck was limited again and that Matt Hasselbeck didn't practice because he is sick.  Because of Hasselbeck's sickness, Luck took most of the reps in practice- but that doesn't necessarily mean a ton, as today was another very light practice with the team playing twice in five days.  Still, however, Luck threw some passes and did not have any setbacks, so that's clearly a very positive sign.

Of course, now there's the situation with Matt Hasselbeck to worry about, and while it's just an illness, the Colts play in two days.  There's a real chance that he'll be ready by then, but then again there's no guarantee, so that's something to keep an eye on.  With Luck's status still up in the air, it's not ideal to have the backup quarterback missing time.  Hasselbeck doesn't particularly need a ton of reps (he's a veteran who has been in the system for a few years), but the Colts may need Hasselbeck on Thursday.  Still, though, there's no reason to freak out yet, as Pagano said he's just sick.

As for Luck, he continues to be limited in practice, which is the same as last week.  Of course, limited can mean different things, and it sounds like he has seen an increase in his workload, which is a good sign.  The Colts are saying the same things they said last week, but it does seem like there is a much better chance that Luck could play this Thursday night than last week.  It's no certainty yet, however, so we'll just have to keep waiting.  It sounds like Luck might once again be a game-time decision.