Following a report that quarterback Andrew Luck could return to practice this week, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano gave reporters, including Mike Wells of ESPN.com, a clouded answer regarding his signal-caller’s health. “Andrew is progressing well, getting stronger and there might be chance,” Pagano said. “He might be able to start some practice this week, but I’m not guaranteeing nothing, so don’t write anything. There’s a possibility. When our doctors and our trainers tell me that he’s at a point where he can get back out there to begin to practice then I’ll be able to tell you for sure.” Luck is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, but has no restrictions on his timetable given that Indianapolis did not place him on the physically unable to perform list to begin the season.
Here’s more from around the league:
- The Packers re-signed defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois to the same one-year deal that he originally agreed to in March, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Jean-Francois was released by Green Bay just after the start of the season, only to re-sign eight days later. The veteran defender may not have missed a game check, which would mean he’s not eligible to receive termination pay (and double-dip on his contract from the Packers). Jean-Francois will earn $2MM for the 2017 campaign.
- Speaking of contractual intricacies, tight end Ladarius Green picked up $1.15MM in injury protection from the Steelers, tweets salary cap guru Ian Whetstone, who adds Pittsburgh could also be on the hook for another $550K to Green in 2018. Green lasted only one season with the Steelers after inking a four-year, $20MM last spring, as concussions and a surgically-repaired ankle ultimately led to his release. He hasn’t garnered any known interest since hitting the free agent market.
- The Falcons worked out linebackers Kennan Gilchrist, Kenneth Olugbode, and Kache Palacio, plus RB Josh Rounds, on Monday, reports Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. None of that foursome has any NFL experience, so Atlanta is likely looking at options to develop on its practice squad, as McClure notes.