Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck missed all of 2017 with a shoulder injury, but the three-time Pro Bowler feared during recovery that he would never reach superstar form again. Luck - who's set to start Thursday's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks - explained to Mike Wells of ESPN.com the worries he had about ever getting back to the level that we've seen him at. "There were one or two moments where I wondered if I am ever going to be able to do this again," Luck said. "Certainly this [preseason opener] isn’t what I’ve been working toward the whole time, but sort of in the same vein it is another step in this journey and one that is sort of about the next one right now. That’s really exciting and that’s fun.” When Luck underwent shoulder surgery after the 2016 season, few expected him to be out for the entire campaign. It wasn't until November where he was ruled out for the rest of the season, and the Colts limped to a frustrating 4-12 record with Jacoby Brissett as their primary quarterback. Shoulder injuries could very well be career-ending for a quarterback, but Luck has progressed nicely and has a chance to play the entire 2018 season. The Colts stand virtually any chance at making the playoffs if Luck isn't on the field, so their hopes rely solely on his health in 2018.

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Luck led the Colts to 11 wins in each of his first three seasons, which included a trio of postseason wins and a trip to the 2014 AFC Championship Game. But with a porous offensive line and defense, the Colts have faltered and have failed to record a winning season in each of the last three years. Luck missed the second half of 2015 with a kidney injury, and the Colts predictably fell apart and saw their AFC South dreams drift away. But if he can stay healthy throughout all of 2018, the Colts just might rebound and get back to the postseason.

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