Andrew Luck could be ready to return and help the Indianapolis Colts continue their success against the rest of the AFC South.
However, there's no guarantee the star quarterback will play when the visiting Colts try for a 16th consecutive victory within the division Thursday night against the Houston Texans.
Coach Chuck Pagano said Luck "looked good" throwing passes at practice Tuesday and increased his workload, but remains uncertain. He continues to recover from an injured right shoulder that forced him to miss his first NFL game last Sunday, a 16-13 overtime victory over Jacksonville.
Backup Matt Hasselbeck, 30 of 47 for 282 yards with a touchdown against the Jaguars, didn't practice Tuesday because he is sick.
Coach Chuck Pagano has been pleased with Luck's progress.
Luck has made the trip to Houston, and said Tuesday he's preparing to start. The team re-signed quarterback Josh Johnson as insurance Wednesday.
Looking for a sixth straight win over the Texans, the Colts will have receiver Andre Johnson on their side for the first time in the series. Johnson, who set team records for receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597) and receiving touchdowns (64) during his 12 seasons in Houston, asked to be released after he was told his role would be limited in 2015. He signed with Indianapolis in March.
Houston yielded 184 combined receiving yards to Leonard Hankerson and running back Devonta Freeman in Sunday's 48-21 loss at Atlanta.
However, it's the Texans' offense that has been a bigger issue through the first quarter of the season. They rank 24th with 19.3 points per game and committed four turnovers - two fumbles returned for TDs - against the Falcons.
Despite going 12 of 27 for 150 yards with an interception before being benched Sunday, Ryan Mallett remains Houston's starter.
Arian Foster gained 10 yards on eight attempts in his season debut Sunday. Playing from behind, the Texans ran for 54 yards after gaining 186 one week earlier in a 19-9 win over Tampa Bay.
When Mallett goes to the air he'll again look for DeAndre Hopkins, who ranks among the NFL leaders with 409 receiving yards after recording 157 on nine catches against the Falcons.
