Tuesday 22 November 2016 08:33, UK
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is facing a race to be fit for Thursday's Thanksgiving encounter with the Pittsburgh Steelers after he entered concussion protocol.
During the fourth quarter, Luck was tackled by Austin Johnson and Derrick Morgan. His arms pinned to his sides, Luck fell to the ground as the back of his helmet hit the turf.
Luck also took some other big hits during the final period, but the Colts couldn't confirm which tackle had caused the concussion.
Safety Clayton Geathers was also taken out of the game with a concussion and will face the same battle to be ready for week 12 as Luck.
"After we were all done with the locker room, both guys didn't feel right and went in the training room, and both were evaluated for concussions. Both are in the protocol," said Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.
Following entry into concussion protocol each player must slowly return to training with bike work, strength training and non-contact practice, before full training and an independent neurological assessment.
Chasing down the Houston Texans for a play-off spot, the Colts' 24-17 victory over AFC South rival Tennessee Titans was important, and moves the franchise to 5-5, just one game back from the division lead.
However, given the short turnaround time between Sunday's win and Indianapolis' Thanksgiving day game against the Steelers, it is highly unlikely Luck will be cleared to play, and Pagano is planning to start back up Scott Tolzein.
"He has a limited amount of exposure, but he is a pro," Pagano said. "If he has to roll and be the guy, then he will do a great job. He prepares really well every single day."
Tolzein has just two starts in the NFL, both coming in 2013 as a replacement for Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He signed for the Colts in March, following the retirement of Matt Hasselbeck.
