The wait for the anticipated return of Andrew Luck continues, as the former first-overall draft pick suffered another setback to his injury.

Marc Sessler of NFL.com reported that Luck is experiencing soreness in his surgically-repaired shoulder, which prompted the Colts to “shut him down” by treating the shoulder with a cortizone shot and further pushing back his timetable.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard spoke to the media on Wednesday, stating that the team is reluctant to put its star quarterback on injured reserve, leaving open the possibility of a return sooner rather than later. However, Ballard also tempered expectations when asked whether or not Luck would be able to play at all this season:

“I don't want to speculate right now. I'm not going to put a timeline on that right now.”

Mike Wells of ESPN believes Luck is done for the season:

One thing Ballard, unlike owner Jim Irsay, has emphasized since April is that the franchise quarterback will not play until he's fully healthy. That's why it wouldn't be surprising if Luck doesn't play again until the 2018 season. It isn't worth Luck re-injuring his shoulder or suffering another injury during a season that has already seen several high-profile players, including Aaron Rodgers, Odell Beckham Jr. and J.J. Watt, suffer season-ending injuries.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Former Indianapolis Colts star Dwight Freeney and Tom Brady in front of Lucas Oil Stadium.

Zachary Weinberger ·

DeForest Buckner with money falling around him

Owen Crisafulli ·

Andrew Luck smiling. Colts logo in the background.

Nathan Yasis ·

The uncertainty surrounding Luck's rehabilitation progress is certainly hurting the Indy's chances of a potential playoff run in what has been a wide-open race in the league after six weeks of play. Still, the Colts would be better off not risking any further damage to their ailing franchise cornerstone, especially considering their huge investment in him.

In the meantime, the Colts will continue to roll out Jacoby Brissett as their starter under center. The second-year QB out of NC State has been rather serviceable in Luck's place. In five starts this season, Brissett has led the Colts to a 2-3 record with 1,158 passing yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, along with 98 yards on the ground and three rushing TDs.