Andrew Luck, Clayton Geathers expected to return next Monday

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts coach Chuck Pagano said Monday that he expects quarterback Andrew Luck and safety Clayton Geathers to play next Monday night against the New York Jets, barring any setbacks while completing the NFL's concussion protocol.

Luck and Geathers missed the team's Thanksgiving game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering concussions against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 20.

"Wednesday will be a normal practice for both of them," Pagano said. "[Monday] was the non-contact day. They have to go one more day of contact and then see an independent [neurologist] after that."

Luck suffered his concussion -- the first of his career -- when Titans defensive tackle Austin Johnson landed on top of him after recording a sack with 11:46 remaining in the game. Geathers suffered his concussion -- also the first of his career -- while tackling Titans running back DeMarco Murray on a fourth down run on Tennessee's final offensive play of the game.

"You have to be prudent with your brain," Luck said. "Cautious maybe is the wrong word, but I think you have to do things by the book, and I do believe I have and our trainers and doctors have done a great job of informing me and sort of holding my hand per se along this trip."

The Colts (5-6), who missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2011, are a game behind the Houston Texans for first place in the AFC South with five remaining.

"We're not looking at the rest of the schedule," Luck said. "We're looking at one team -- it's the New York Jets on Monday. That's what we're focusing on. Yes, we believe we can win this game, but we have to work at it. We have to practice, we have to improve. The Jets are a heck of a team. I do not think their record (3-8) is indicative of how good of a team that they are."