AP

Colts coach Chuck Pagano said that quarterback Andrew Luck is “trending in the right direction” as he tries to return to the lineup on Thursday night against the Texans, something supported by the team’s decision to release Josh Johnson Monday after the veteran served as Matt Hasselbeck’s backup in the Week Four win over Jacksonville.

Luck missed that game with a right shoulder injury that Chris Hagan of FOX59 in Indianapolis reports is a partial separation, or subluxation, of his shoulder. Luck reportedly had an MRI done to assess the injury last week and that several doctors from around the country have been consulted about the best course for recovery.

Luck tested his arm on Saturday, but wasn’t ready to play against the Jaguars. He’ll do the same in practice for the next couple of days to determine if the upward trend he’s on takes him into the starting lineup on Thursday.

If he isn’t ready to go, the Colts will have to make another roster move that could bring Johnson back to Indy for a second week on the sideline.