NFL will investigate Colts' injury reporting

The NFL will look into whether the Indianapolis Colts violated rules by not disclosing an injury to quarterback Andrew Luck, league spokesman Brian McCarthy said.

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Sunday morning Luck has been playing with multiple fractured ribs since Week 3, in addition to the injury to Luck’s throwing shoulder that sidelined him for two games earlier this season.

Luck was listed as questionable with a right shoulder injury in Weeks 4 through 6. He hasn’t been listed on the injury report at all the past two weeks and never was listed with a rib injury. That didn’t stop speculation in league circles that Luck was playing hurt as he struggled early this season.

The NFL’s 2015 injury report policy reads: “All players with significant or noteworthy injuries must be listed on the report, even if the player takes all the reps in practice, and even if the team is certain that he will play in the upcoming game. This is especially true of key players and those players whose injuries have been covered extensively by the media. This policy is of paramount importance in maintaining the integrity of the game.”

Colts general manager Ryan Grigson issued a statement through the team Sunday afternoon, denying the team has committed a violation.

“Our injury reports are accurate,” Grigson’s statement said. “If people have any questions about player injuries, they should refer to our injury reports.”

The NFL has punished teams in the past for failing to comply with injury reporting guidelines. In 2009, the New York Jets were docked $75,000 and former coach Eric Mangini and general manager Mike Tannenbaum $25,000 each for not listing quarterback Brett Favre on the injury report for part of the previous season even though he had a torn biceps tendon.

The Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens were fined $20,000 each in October 2012 for various injury reporting violations.

The potential violation of a competitive violation by the Colts is particularly interesting. Colts general manager Ryan Grigson launched the Deflategate probe into the New England Patriots last season and later explained it by saying he wanted a level playing field.

Luck, 26, has 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions in the Colts’ 3-4 start. They visit the unbeaten Carolina Panthers on Monday night.