The Indianapolis Colts are expected to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thanksgiving Day without their starting quarterback Andrew Luck. And, both teams prepare for the upcoming game, Luck's opponent Ben Roethlisberger gave him valuable advice regarding his current condition.
As noted by NFL.com, Luck is still in concussion protocol. Given the number of tests that he needs to pass in order to be cleared to play, Luck will most likely miss the game against the Steelers. This means the Colts will have no other choice but to turn to backup QB Scott Tolzien to lead the team on Thursday.
Since Tolzien doesn't have much experience manning the starting spot, this puts the Colts in a very tough decision. Like any other player, Luck is probably hoping that he will get cleared soon in order to play on Thanksgiving Day. Like any other injured athlete, Luck most likely wants to return to the field as soon as possible in order to help out his teammates.
However, as noted by rival quarterback Roethlisberger of the Steelers, Luck should not rush his recovery especially since a concussion is a very sensitive matter especially for football players.
"The brain is nothing to mess with," he said according to ESPN. "He is young and has a long career ahead of himself."
Roethlisberger, who is no stranger to concussions, referred to his own experience as he warned Luck about the dangerous effects of this condition.
"I have played this game a long time and younger days in my career when I wouldn't have [missed time], and there were many times that I've said that I haven't told anybody that I had been dinged or had a concussion," he said.
"Looking back on it, I wish I wouldn't have," he added. "You have to be smart when it comes to your brain because you only play football for such a short period of your life. When you have a family and people that you are going to be with for the long term, you have to really make sure your health is taken care of."