Week 13 Outlook
Availability
Colts owner Jim Irsay says that Andrew Luck remains retired.
Fantasy Impact
“He’s more retired now than he was a year and a half ago...he definitely is retired and there’s really no wiggle room or rumor, as much as people would like to hear that. Believe me, I wish It was true and I was hiding some big announcement...But that’s just not the case," Irsay elaborated. There has been some speculation that Luck could help solve Indy's quarterback dilemma by coming out of retirement, but that just isn't going to happen it seems.
Andrew Luck (calf) announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday. "I am going to retire. This is the hardest decision of my life," he said. "[I] felt "stuck" in four-year cycle of injuries and recover. It's taken my joy of this game away."
Fantasy Impact
Luck has tended to some major injuries the past few seasons, the most recent calf and high ankle issues that were threatening his status for Week 1. This is the biggest retirement news since Barry Sanders in 1998. Luck will finish his career with a 89.5 passer rating, 60.8 completion percentage, 171 touchdowns and 23,671 yards passing in 86 games with the Colts. Jacoby Brissett will replace Andrew Luck as the Colt's starting quarterback.
Colts head coach Frank Reich confirms Andrew Luck will not practice this week, citing “full-speed movement vs. pain threshold.”
Fantasy Impact
Luck continues to miss time while dealing with calf and ankle issues, and a decision on his Week 1 status should be available by next Monday. He should be considered highly questionable to suit up for the regular-season opener, and those who draft Luck need to handcuff him with Jacoby Brissett.
Coach Frank Reich would like to make a decision on the Week 1 starting quarterback between Andrew Luck and Jacoby Brissett after the Colts' third preseason game on Aug. 24 against the Bears, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Fantasy Impact
Mike Garafolo adds "unless Luck makes some miraculous recovery, we could be looking at Jacoby Brissett in Week 1." Fantasy owners that plan on drafting Luck or already own him should have a backup plan to start the season as it looks like the veteran QB may miss at least one game.
Andrew Luck's calf strain has developed into a "high ankle issue" according to Colts GM Chris Ballard, Adam Schefter reports.
Fantasy Impact
Luck missed the Colts' preseason opener while dealing with a calf strain, but apparently the injury is more serious than previously thought. Luck is expected to miss the entire preseason, and his status for Week 1 cannot be considered certain at this time. This is a situation to monitor closely given Luck's injury history.