Quarterback Burning Questions Heading Into OTAs

INDIANAPOLIS –We are less than two weeks away from players flocking back to the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center for work.

The Colts will start their nine-week offseason program on Monday, April 17.

Over the next week and a half, Colts.com will take a look at the "Burning Questions" for all position groups going into the 2017 offseason.

Here's a look at the quarterback burning questions heading into the team's offseason program:

Where is Andrew Luck at health wise?[

Chuck Pagano is ready to adapt](http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/Colts-Face-Challenge-Of-Possibly-Not-Having-Andrew-Luck-For-Part-Of-2017-Offseason/c3b7dc16-d5fc-4af4-a3a8-04a4ac6305d9) if/when Andrew Luck is not taking his normal first-team reps when the Colts hit the practice field this spring/summer.

No one should be surprised if the Colts do not have Luck out there for some period of time this offseason. The Colts are obviously going to take their time before releasing Luck into his normal throwing routine.

A right shoulder surgery is not an ideal situation by any means.

But the Colts and Luck should be grateful they aren't dealing with extremely critical off-season reps in the coming weeks/months.  

ANDREW LUCK'S CAREER STATS

Unlike last offseason, the Colts are not installing a new offense. Rob Chudzinski is in his second year as the team's play caller.

Wide receiver Kamar Aiken is the only newcomer among the main skill positions for the Colts. Luck's potential absence this offseason should not hamper chemistry too much with his pass catchers.

In a perfect world, the Colts would have Luck out there for his usual workload. 

But as long as Luck's rehab does the trick, the first-team offense should not be too off when No. 12 is ready for action.

STAT TO NOTE: Luck has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 23 consecutive games, which is the longest active streak in the NFL and tied for the 18th longest in NFL history.Where does a healthy Luck still need to make improvements?

Considering everything Luck went through to be ready each week last season, the 2016 year is easily one of the finest of his career.

Luck set career-highs in completion percentage and yards per attempt, and challenged career marks in interception ratio and passer rating.

Those are all categories that tell the story of a more efficient Luck.

If you're looking for places where Luck can improve statistically, the turnover category is always a good place to start.

Where Luck can really help the offense in 2017 is aiding some skill guys as they evolve into bigger roles.

Make sure Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox can ascend into the necessary playmaking pieces.

Help Donte Moncrief and Jacoby Brissett develop into much-needed complements to T.Y. Hilton.

With a healthy Luck, and an adequate offensive line, there's no reason this offense should not rise to the top of the league standings in 2017.

STAT TO NOTE: Luck reached 15,000 career passing yards in his 56th career game, which is tied for the second fastest in NFL history.Will Stephen Morris push Scott Tolzien for the backup quarterback position?

If there's one thing we've learned about Chris Ballard's early tenure it's that he is not afraid to part ways with veterans.

Does that include the backup quarterback spot?

From an experience standpoint, Scott Tolzien dwarfs third stringer Stephen Morris. When the Colts needed Tolzien for one game last season, the backup gave his team a chance to beat the Steelers on a short week

But there's something about Morris that brings a lot of curiosity to those around the Colts.

There's a reason why the Colts carved out room for Morris on their initial 53-man roster last season.

What if Morris has another strong preseason and the Colts do not have room for three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster?

At the other end of things, would Ballard be willing to cut ties with Tolzien (who is entering a contract year in 2017) for the more inexperienced Morris?

These are questions that could be decided with a few more first-reps coming their way this offseason.

STAT TO NOTE: Tolzien was 22-of-36 for 205 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his lone start last season.

The analysis from those producing content on Colts.com does not necessarily represent the thoughts of the Indianapolis Colts organization. Any conjecture, analysis or opinions formed by Colts.com content creators is not based on inside knowledge gained from team officials, players or staff.