Luck wondered if he'd ever play football again

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who's expected to play in his team's preseason opener Thursday after working his way back from shoulder surgery, admitted to having doubts during his recovery process.

"There were one or two moments where I wondered if I am ever going to be able to do this again," Luck said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Mike Wells. "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."

The three-time Pro Bowler, who missed the entire 2017 season after several setbacks, is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Seahawks after featuring in nine of 11 team practices this summer. He hasn't played since the final week of the 2016 season and is eager to get back on the field.

"I probably struggle hiding how I feel at times," Luck said. "Whether that's a positive or negative thing, whatever. I think I'm happier with myself. The crux of the matter (is that) I think that really allows me to enjoy football and it does feel like a game to me instead of a job or a profession. I don't want to ever lose that feeling. I sort of get it when you hear guys in their late 30s and 40s, and they're talking about it's like playing a kid's game. I think I semi-understand what they feel in their hearts now."