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Colts' Matt Hasselbeck: 'This is 100 percent Andrew Luck's team'

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is 4-0 as the team's starter, and has looked significantly more comfortable under center than Andrew Luck did before he was sidelined with abdominal injuries.

However, Hasselbeck understands the reality of his situation and that Luck will return as starter when he's healthy.

"I know the truth. I know what reality is. This is 100 percent Andrew Luck’s team," Hasselbeck said Wednesday, according to Steve Andress of Colts.com. "Not only is he the quarterback of the future, he’s been the quarterback of the past. He has earned every bit of respect he gets in this locker room. He has earned it. Nothing’s really been given to him. It’s his team, absolutely."

At 40-years-old, Hasselbeck isn't a long-term option for the Colts, so he understands that what's best for Luck within the offense is still the priority.

"I think he and I are clear on that," said Hasselbeck. "Even when they ask me if there’s something I like in the offense, before I even speak on it, I’ll realize here shortly it will be Andrew under center."

Some have questioned whether Hasselbeck should remain the starter even when Luck is healthy, but he dismissed that idea outright.

"I don’t put anything into those kinds of comments outside the building," said Hasselbeck. "I don’t even think that would ever be discussed inside this building. It’s kind of a non-starter."

Head coach Chuck Pagano also addressed the idea of continuing with Hasselbeck earlier in the week, calling the prospect of not playing Luck "ludicrous."

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