Colts 'fully anticipate' Hasselbeck being able to play against Houston
The Indianapolis Colts are dangerously thin at quarterback heading into Sunday's pivotal matchup against the Houston Texans, but head coach Chuck Pagano said he expects at least one of his injured quarterbacks to able to play.
Pagano told reporters Monday he's thinks Matt Hasselbeck, who left Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter with a rib injury, will be healthy enough to play against the Texans.
The 40-year-old Hasselbeck was hurt on a hard fall after being pushed out of bounds by Jacksonville linebacker Telvin Smith. He also sat out a number of plays earlier in the game after being hit by two Jaguars defenders on a completion to wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, but was able return. Sunday marked the second straight week Hasselbeck has exited a game with injury. He left the Colts' 45-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 6 with neck and rib injuries.
“Yeah, I’m hopeful,” Pagano said. “He’s banged up, like a lot of the guys. He’s a warrior. He came back in that game after taking a few good licks. Matt is a tough guy and great competitor. I fully anticipate him being available for us.”
Hasselbeck, has started the past four games in place of the injured Andrew Luck, who has yet to return to practice after suffering a lacerated kidney last month.
The Colts are certainly hoping Hasselbeck is healthy enough to play. If the 17-year-veteran isn't able to go, Indianapolis will likely start Charlie Whitehurst against the Texans in a game with first place in the division on the line.
