The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday that franchise quarterback Andrew Luck is out for the 2017 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
General manager Chris Ballard said the team is being extra cautious with Luck as he continues his recovery from the shoulder surgery he underwent in January. Backup Scott Tolzien will start in Luck's place.
Luck was initially expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp, but the Colts backed off that timeline by the spring. Instead, the sixth-year pro entered training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
He was removed from the PUP list on Sept. 2, but the Colts are exercising caution with their star pivot, opting for a week-to-week approach.
Tolzien started all four of the Colts' preseason games, completing 23 of 34 passes for 241 yards and an interception.
The Colts acquired quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the New England Patriots in exchange for receiver Phillip Dorsett on Saturday, but Ballard said it was a move made with an eye towards the team's long-term future rather than as a stopgap for Luck.
