INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts are set to begin the next stretch of games without star quarterback Andrew Luck, who is out with a lacerated kidney suffered in the team's Nov. 8 win over the Denver Broncos.
When Luck does return, head coach Chuck Pagano said he's going to continue harping on the idea that while the quarterback's toughness is admirable, he needs to play smarter.
Luck is expected to miss two to six weeks with the injury, caused by a hit from Broncos llinebacker Danny Trevathan. Rather than slide, the three-time Pro Bowl absorbed the hit while trying to make a play.
"We're going to talk every day until he figures it out and we figure it out as a team," Pagano said, per the Indianapolis Star. "He knows full well that he can't do that. He can't put himself and this team in jeopardy. You love the grit, and you love the toughness and all that stuff. But playing the position like a linebacker? You can't."
Matt Hasselbeck will start at quarterback with Luck out. Indianapolis sits tied for first in the AFC South at 4-5.
The Colts take on Atlanta on Sunday.
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