Colts QB Andrew Luck nearly ready to practice

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) greets area peewee football kids before the start of their game at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday, Sept. 24 2017.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is close to a return to the field and has not been ruled out as a participant in practice later this week, a league source confirmed to IndyStar.

The team’s franchise player also has been working with a therapist who helped New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees after his own shoulder surgery, and has seen results.

The news is the clearest sign yet that Luck is nearing a return after his January surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder.

UPDATES: Tracking Andrew Luck's progress

The Colts played their third consecutive regular-season game without Luck on Sunday, beating the Cleveland Browns 31-28 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

When Luck does return to practice, he’s expected to need significant practice time before taking the field in a game. The Colts play at Seattle next Sunday in a nationally-televised matchup. The team returns home in Week 5 for a game against the San Francisco 49ers, at which former quarterback Peyton Manning will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.

The lingering issues with Luck’s shoulder, according to a league source, have revolved around strengthening his shoulder to the point where it can handle the rigors of practice without skipping days throughout the week. That became customary last season, when Luck played through the injury and coped with consistent pain.

"It's too early to tell," Colts coach Chuck Pagano said after the game. "He's making great progress. I wish I had more to give you. I don't anticipate (him practicing) but who knows."

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