Skip to main content

Andrew Luck: 'Obligation to keep myself healthy'

Andrew Luck participated fully in Indianapolis Colts OTAs on Tuesday. The quarterback said he had "no limitations" on the field.

After missing nine games in 2015 due to injury, Luck now believes it's his duty to remain as healthy as possible, for himself and his teammates.

"I think every year you re-evaluate," Luck said, via a team transcript. "You're going to change things every year. That's the nature of it. Hopefully you improve every year. I definitely think, like always, I have an obligation to keep myself healthy, not only to myself but to this team."

Luck has taken a beating since he entered the league, due in large part to a porous offensive line. The Colts attempted to solve that problem by selecting a hoard of linemen in the draft.

The quarterback also has a responsibility to avoid big hits when possible. Luck suffered a lacerated kidney last year while taking a huge shot from two Denver Broncos defenders. It's the type of hit the Colts' brass spent all offseason publicly shaming.

Owner Jim Irsay said Luck needs to learn how to slide better. Coach Chuck Pagano said Luck can't keep playing like a linebacker.

The message was received.

The quarterback understands when he's on the field, Indy has a chance to go deep in the playoffs. If he is hurt, that chance falls to nil.