Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Andrew Luck has made a slow recovery from his shoulder injury and it appears he is still not close to returning to the field.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard noted the quarterback would not practice this week due to soreness in his shoulder, per Mike Chappell of Fox59. The GM wouldn't even confirm that Luck would play at all in 2017, according to Zak Keefer of the Indy Star.

On the other hand, Ballard also said that the quarterback would not be placed on injured reserve, per George Bremmer of CNHI Sports.

Luck had surgery during the offseason but was initially expected to return to full strength in time for the start of the 2017 season. Even when it was reported he would miss several weeks of the season, his removal from the physically unable to perform list indicated his return was imminent.

The team could have kept him off the active roster for six weeks before returning in Week 7.

Unfortunately, the 28-year-old is still apparently a long way from returning.

Even after returning to practice this month, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Luck would be out at least another month. Alex Flanagan of NFL.com reported this month that returning this season is a goal, although that now may be in doubt.

When healthy, Luck is one of the best young quarterbacks in the sport with a Pro Bowl appearance in each of his first three seasons. After the team invested $140 million over six years, however, it's clear his long-term value is more important than his current status.

With the Colts struggling to a 2-4 record without him, it might make sense to keep the superstar off the field the entire year.

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