The Indianapolis Colts yesterday announced their captains for the remainder of the season, who will serve as permanent captains for the duration of the 2012 season.

The offensive captains are rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and wide receiver Reggie Wayne; the defensive captains are outside (rush) linebacker Robert Mathis and defensive end Cory Redding, and lastly the special teams captains are safety Joe Lefeged and punter Pat McAfee.

The group of captains represents the 2012 Colts well. A rookie (Luck), a guy signed this off-season (Redding), some veterans who have helped lead the team (Wayne and Mathis), a young budding star who has had to play the role of a veteran (McAfee), and a guy who just a year ago was an undrafted free agent (Lefeged).

The naming of captains is mostly a formality, as these players have been the leaders from the beginning – yes, even Luck. The Colts’ captains helped their team overcome not only a lack of talent or a regime change but a tough time with their head coach being diagnosed with leukemia (Chuck Pagano just completed his third and final round of chemo the other day – great news!)

Said Andrew Luck on being named a captain:

"Any time you're voted on something positive by your teammates, it means a lot more than other awards. It's really an honor."

Especially for a rookie, but Robert Mathis considers it quite an honor as well:

"I’m very honored. It’s a special feeling. I’ve never been an official captain since college. I thank God for everything from 2003 until today. It’s an honor."

INJURY NOTES: Bruce Arians said Wednesday that safety Tom Zbikowski and running back Donald Brown have been ruled OUT for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.