Concussion: Indianapolis Colts confirm WR Austin Collie OK for season opener – NFL News
Indianapolis Colts’ coach Chuck Pagano has confirmed availability of wide receiver Austin Collie for the season opener against the Chicago Bears on September 09.
Chuck said the receiver’s recovery from the latest injury – concussion – is progressing well and at a good pace and that he should be able to return to action well in time for the opening game.
Austin himself said to have noted encouraging progress in the rehab process and agreed to the coach’s view that he will be available for selection at the start of the season next month.
The receiver was injured after taking a hit on helmet from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote, who had replaced another Steelers’ daring linebacker James Harrison.
It was another unfortunate incident for the player resulting in fourth consecutive concussion in last 15 months, and being able to remain in action is a fortunate development for the player as it is very rare to return from so many concussion problems in
a shorter period.
His rehab and fitness are even more significant given the higher number of risks that are associated to the recovery process; reoccurrence of concussion symptoms is the most common of all.
Austin’s availability in the regular season is also important for Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. The team’s situation on the offensive line is not an ideal one and ousting of any player at present can further aggravate it.
The head coach has told a local newspaper that he expects the offensive line clicking to full form in the season and availability of all players hundred percent fit will be crucial to it.
Chuck has orchestrated transformation of the team’s strategy overall, especially overhauling the defensive scheme to 4-3, and hopes at the end it works out for him and the team.
He is into first year with the Colts as a head coach and stakes are probably higher for him than any other member of the organisation including the rookie QB. The team has so far shown a reasonable progress from the past season’s insignificant 2-14 performance
but a real change in their form must be witnessed during the regular season.
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