Colts confident Luck will avoid PUP list to start season; Week 1 status unclear

The timeline for Andrew Luck's return from offseason shoulder surgery remains up in the air, but the Indianapolis Colts at least appear optimistic he won't miss much, or any, of the regular season.

General manager Chris Ballard told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that all indications suggest the star quarterback will be removed from the physically unable to perform list before Week 1.

The update doesn't guarantee Luck won't miss time in September. As Pelissero added, a decision on his Week 1 availability is yet to be made.

Given that the regular-season PUP list comes with a required six-game absence, though, the expectation of him avoiding that designation is certainly a positive sign.

Luck, who's been limited to his throwing program and team meetings, has yet to take part in a practice in training camp.

While preseason reps may not be necessary for a quarterback of his caliber to be ready for action Sept. 10, the Colts will certainly avoid rushing him back before he's ready.

Luck showed signs of his previous form across 15 starts in 2016, connecting on 63.5 percent of passes for 4,240 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.