Colts' Reich 'hopeful' Luck will be ready to throw during OTAs

Andrew Luck's stint on the shelf since undergoing shoulder surgery is approaching one calendar year, but Frank Reich remains optimistic that the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter by the day.

The newly hired Indianapolis Colts bench boss spoke on his expectations for his franchise quarterback as spring draws nearer, and Reich is remaining confident that Luck will begin throwing for official team activities in late April.

"You know what, I'm hopeful that maybe that could happen. I'm hopeful, yeah," Reich said, according to Zak Keefer of IndyStar. "I know it sounds odd, but I'm not demanding an answer on that. I'm not, 'Hey, someone tell me, is he ready?' I hope he's there, but we'll go on if he's not. I'm optimistic and I'm hopeful but honestly that's not the forefront question on my mind every day coming to work."

Luck, speaking at the Colts' second annual town hall Tuesday, gave insight into his road to recovery, and vowed to be a better player because of the adversity he's faced.

"I know in my heart of hearts I'm going to be a better thrower, a better quarterback, a better teammate, and a better Colt because of what I'm going through, what I've been through, and will continue to go through," Luck said.

The 28-year-old gunslinger also added he's "in the middle of sort of a little bit of throwing, strengthening, and preparing my shoulder for the throw load of being an NFL quarterback."