Report: Andrew Luck playing through multiple fractured ribs

Colts franchise quarterback Andrew Luck missed two games earlier this year with a shoulder injury, but many wondered whether that was the only injury he was dealing with, as it looked like he might have a rib injury as well.  Furthermore, since he has returned to the field, it has still looked like he has been playing hurt, with most people who honestly watched him play saying that he still looked injured.

It turns out that is indeed the case.  According to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, Luck has been playing through multiple fractured ribs while also dealing with the shoulder injury.  Glazer said that Luck has "tried to quietly fight through it" but that it is noticeably affecting his play.

This report shouldn't surprise anyone who has watched Luck play, as it has been apparent from his play that he is still dealing with some sort of injury.  His apprehension and hesitation when it comes to his arm, his overthrows and misfires, and similar issues can be traced to an injury.  Of course, it doesn't excuse some of the dumb decisions, but it does help explain some of the struggles.

In five games this year, Luck has completed just 56.2 percent of his passes for 1,398 yards (6.7 yards per attempt), 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions for a 76.2 passer rating.  The struggles have been startling and have been a huge part of the Colts' struggles overall, and it turns out that Luck is still playing injured.

One question that this raises is why Luck hasn't been on the injury report in recent weeks.  Ever since returning from his shoulder injury, Luck hasn't been listed on the injury report because he has taken all of his normal reps in practice and the team has been certain that he will play.  But the NFL's injury report policy states that the report is of "paramount importance in maintaining the integrity of the game" and that "all players with significant or noteworthy injuries must be listed on the report, even if the player takes all the reps in practice, and even if the team is certain that he will play in the upcoming game."  It goes on to say that this is especially important for key players and for ones who have had their injury covered extensively by the media - Andrew Luck clearly fits both categories.  So, again, why wasn't Luck on the injury report?  The NFL will certainly want an explanation on that from the Colts, to be sure.

While the injury report situation is noteworthy, however, the real news right now is the report that Luck has indeed playing hurt, which has been impacting his play.