–After being pressed with questions concerning his arm strength just two weeks ago, quarterback Andrew Luck is now being asked how he’s holding up in shouldering so much of the offensive burden. “I’ve felt better and better as the season has gone on,” said Luck, who missed 2017 due to right shoulder surgery.
–Guard Matt Slauson (back) ending up on injured reserve came as a surprise, considering he continued to play with what was later revealed as two fractured vertebrae in his back yet didn’t miss a snap at New England. “Slauson, man, he’s just as tough as nails,” head coach Frank Reich said. “We talk on the sideline, he wants to go, he wants to play, so he finished out the game.”
–If starting running back Marlon Mack can return from a hamstring injury after missing the past three games, the Colts would have four options at the position, presuming they all dress. Rookies Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines (the team leader in receptions) have been carrying the load. Robert Turbin returned from a suspension last game. “As we game plan, it really goes as specific as each play, sort of geared and emphasized toward a certain player,” Reich said. “Marlon, he brings to the table some explosiveness, some juice.” The coach conceded he’s been encouraged by Mack’s rehabilitation and agreed that this is the closest the second-year back has been to returning.
–The Colts have analyzed each of the 17 dropped passes in the past two games. “It’s been a surprise,” Reich said, “and we have evaluated each one over the last couple of games to see (if there’s) a common thread. Most of them have been in contested-type areas where we’ve got to make those plays. We drill those things (in practice).”
–Luck praised New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who became the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards in a Monday night home win against Washington. “I’m happy for him, man,” Luck said of the former Purdue University passer. “He is a great role model for any young quarterback, whether it’s a seven-year guy in the NFL (like Luck) or a 7-year-old. He’s a special player. He’s certainly been a very positive impact on my life, so I’m very happy for him.”
–Reich started his Wednesday news conference by honoring George Taliaferro as a Hoosier “legend.” The first African-American player drafted into the NFL in 1949 died Monday at the age of 91. After graduating from Gary (Ind.) High School, he was a three-time All-America at Indiana University, where he continued to be a visible presence in the Bloomington, Ind., community. Taliaferro played seven different positions in the NFL. “George was a pioneer in the game of football,” Reich said. “What a legacy for him and his family.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 4.07 – Percentage of sacks allowed per pass attempt, fifth fewest in the NFL although the Colts have attempted a league-high 246 passes.
