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INDIANAPOLIS -- Quarterback Andrew luck, still recuperating from an injured right shoulder, was listed as limited in the Indianapolis Colts workout Wednesday. Although he practiced, that does not mean he will play against the New England Patriots on Sunday night
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Still, Luck saw more practice time during the workout than in any session during the last couple of weeks. He appeared to be throwing the ball better and was more fluid in his throws.
No decision has been made as to whether he will be given the green light to start Sunday night's game against the Patriots. That is expected to come by the end of the week if his workouts continue to go well.
In related news, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck practiced fully Wednesday, although he is still suffering the effects of the bacterial infection.
Hasselbeck initially felt sick at halftime of the Jacksonville game two weeks ago and battled the infection all last week. He was able to start and play against Houston last Thursday night, but continues to be taking medication for the illness.
Hasselbeck should be good to go if needed to play Sunday night against New England.
--The Colts re-signed running back Ahmad Bradshaw to the 53-man roster and placed rookie running back Tyler Varga on the injured reserve list because of a concussion.
Bradshaw reportedly signed a one-year deal with the team. He spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Colts and both times he had a season-ending injury.
It is not known if Bradshaw will be ready for Sunday night's game against the New England Patriots.
Varga, meanwhile, was sidelined for the last two games after he was hurt against Tennessee on Sept. 27.
The Colts also added kickoff return specialist/running back Marcus Thigpen and released quarterback Josh Johnson. Johnson was subsequently signed by Buffalo.
Thigpen (5-9, 200) will be given an opportunity to win the Colts' primary kickoff returner role this week. Wide receiver Griff Whalen had been handling both the team's punt and kickoff return duties in the last couple of games.
A former standout at Indiana University, Thigpen spent time with several NFL teams since he entered the league in 2008.
--The versatility of the Patriots offense can cause concerns for Indianapolis, according to head coach Chuck Pagano.
"They've got a ton of players and they're obviously on the same page and they're in sync and they're playing at a high, high level right now," Pagano said.
"You can say we're going to load up here in this situation and you might give up a little bit in the run game. Again, it's a heck of an offense. The quarterback is outstanding, obviously, and he does a great job of managing that offense. He's flawless right now. Playing at a high, high level."
--Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri played 10 seasons with New England (1996-2005) and has been with Indianapolis since 2006. Vinatieri helped the Patriots win three Super Bowl titles, with game-winning field goals in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII.
Vinatieri is the first player in NFL history to kick 200 field goals with two different franchises. He is also the first player in NFL history to score 1,000 points with two different franchises.
In other team connections:
--Colts cornerback Darius Butler played for New England from 2009-10. He was a second-round pick by the Patriots in 2009.
--Patriots head coach Bill Belichick started his coaching career in 1975 as a special assistant with the then-Baltimore Colts.
--New England running back Dion Lewis briefly spent time with the Colts last season.
NOTES: Among those missing practice Wednesday were outside linebacker Trent Cole (back), inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (groin)and wide receiver Andre Johnson (rested). ... Among those limited in Wednesday's practice was inside linebacker Nate Irving (knee). ... Cornerback Vontae Davis (foot) practiced Wednesday and is expected to start. ... Outside linebacker Bjoern Werner (hamstring) returned to practice and might be able to start Sunday night.
