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An Andrew Luck sign? Colts holding QB Jacoby Brissett out of third preseason game

We’re all looking for signs on Andrew Luck’s availability for Week 1 and beyond, and it’s easy to read too much into everything.

But the Colts’ decisions on quarterback for the third preseason game are worth noting.

Jacoby Brissett will be held out of the team’s preseason game this week, according to Zak Keefer of The Athletic.

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That doesn’t necessarily mean Luck, who is dealing with an ambiguous high ankle injury, won’t be available for the season opener. But it’s clear the team is making plans just in case he’s not. And keep in mind, Frank Reich said earlier this month that he preferred to pick a Week 1 starter after the third preseason game.

Jacoby Brissett protected in case he has to start

For many years, the third preseason game was considered the so-called dress rehearsal, and starters would play at least a half. More teams are following a different model, and limiting starters in the third (or every) preseason game. Cam Newton’s injury on Thursday night reinforces that it might be the best idea.

By sitting out Brissett, the Colts are protecting themselves. At the moment he is their starter, considering Luck hasn’t returned to practice. Keefer said Luck could practice as soon as next Monday, and when Luck does practice and looks healthy he’ll be the obvious starter.

But until then the Colts need to protect Brissett, just in case he has to start Week 1.

Brissett has had some good moments

The Colts will be in a tough spot if Luck returns to practice soon and looks something less than 100 percent. He has barely practiced this offseason due to a calf injury and then ankle injury. Indianapolis plays at the Los Angeles Chargers, who have a strong defense, in Week 1. The Colts have said they won’t put a player on the field if he’s at risk.

Brissett is capable. He started 15 games when Luck missed the 2017 season, throwing for 3,098 yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He had some promising moments. The Colts clearly want Luck back as soon as possible, but they shouldn’t feel helpless if Brissett has to start.

Brissett won’t play in the third preseason game. The next question is whether he’ll play in the first regular season game.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett won't play the team's third preseason game. (AP)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett won't play the team's third preseason game. (AP)

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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab