Andrew Luck in the final stage of concussion protocol

After the Indianapolis Colts practiced today, quarterback Andrew Luck has just one step remaining before he clears the concussion protocol.

Luck told the media after practice that he had “full practice, no restrictions, felt great” today, meaning that he’s got just one more step to go: see and be cleared by an independent neurologist. According to CBS4’s Mike Chappell Luck said he didn’t know when that meeting would come (though it’ll likely be Thursday), but that’s the last step of the process. So as long as Luck is cleared by that independent doctor, he’ll be good to go for Monday’s game.

It’s assumed Clayton Geathers is in the same situation as Luck, as Geathers appeared to be a full participant at practice today and was not wearing the red non-contact jersey. So if he too was a full participant in practice, then he’ll simply need to be cleared by an independent neurologist as well and be good to go.

The concussion protocol is a set standard that players must go through before returning from a concussion, and it’s been what Luck and Geathers have been following. They took a big step forward when they returned to practice in a limited non-contact role on Monday, and then they took the next step today as they appeared to be full participants. The last step in the process is to be cleared by the independent doctor, after which they will be out of the protocol.

So at this point it is fully expected that the Colts will have both Andrew Luck and Clayton Geathers for Monday night’s game against the New York Jets, which is great news for a team desperate to string together a number of wins to close the season and try to make the playoffs. It won’t be easy, but it will be a bit easier with Luck and Geathers back in the mix. They’re still in the protocol for now, but they’re in the last step and should hopefully be cleared soon.