Andrew Luck will be back before the end of the season.
Matt Hasselbeck has been phenomenal in relief. The 40-year-old has not lost a start yet this season and, according to his offensive coordinator, he's playing with the vigor of a rookie again.
"He's playing like a 22-year-old in terms of his excitement and passion to play," Rob Chudzinski said Thursday, via the team's official website. "I can't say enough about him and his performance."
Despite all that, coach Chuck Pagano made one thing clear: Luck was going to be his starter again when he's ready.
There aren't many who would argue this, and Luck definitely has that special something that can advance the Colts beyond one round of the playoffs. His regression this year was largely health related, and allowing him time to clear up, or at least temporarily mend any issues, could be Indianapolis' best shot at playing deep into January.
Week 15 is crucial in that it gives Luck more than one warmup game should Indianapolis make the postseason.