Andrew Luck in concussion protocol as Thanksgiving Day game nears

Indy’s backup quarterback is the rarely used Scott Tolzien.

From household name to … Who? The Broncos are an easier matchup to me because I just don’t think Trevor Siemian is good, like at all.

The supporting cast – offense and defense – must make certain it helps Tolzien, and doesn’t compound the task at hand with missed assignments and erratic play.

Set to face the Steelers just three days from now, the Indianapolis Colts have a major problem under center.

But getting out of concussion protocol that soon after suffering a head injury last Sunday will be hard. That means Wednesday’s walk-through represents the final opportunity for him to be cleared in time to play against the Steelers.

Scott Tolzien and Stephen Morris stood together in the corner of the end zone at Tuesday’s practice.

Luck has completed 236 of his 375 passes this year with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. “Both are in the protocol”, said Colts head coach Chuck Pagano. “He’s a pro’s pro”. Put the Texans, Colts or Titans against the Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Raiders, Broncos or the post-October 16th Dolphins, and you can tell that the AFC South is hanging out at the bottom of the AFC barrel. “They do a great job of coming after the quarterback”. He only has played one full season during his three-year career, and sat out the first four games of this season due to suspension after a light workload in the preseason. Butler figuratively dusted off some of that old film this week.

“Six career appearances, hasn’t thrown a meaningful pass since 2013”.

Who’s to blame for this latest Luck injury?

Chuck Pagano did not shy away from letting his team know the importance of Sunday’s 24-17 victory over the Titans.

“Being around Ben for so long, he plays whether he’s healthy or whether he’s not”.

“We thrive on (adversity)”, Pagano said.

None of those options are on the active roster.

While Jackson is in his third year with the Colts, he is in his 11th season as a National Football League linebacker.

And all of that is evaluated by an independent neurologist who then must sign off on Luck before he can play in the game. They insist their practice week is the same. “I’m going to be the biggest cheerleader for these guys”.

“You don’t ever want to be without anybody, but we have been down this road before and we have handled it well”, Pagano said.

“It’s going to be a little different”, receiver T.Y.

“Hey”, Shazier said as he leaned in. “I go out there and practice and feel good on Thursdays”. We will make them as carefully and consistently as we can. “And, you know, we really did – we came out like a house afire and, you know, we won the game”.

“We’re in the thick of things”.