Colts Notebook: More reps, bigger challenge expected for Andrew Luck against Pittsburgh

The Indianapolis Colts will travel north to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, and rookie quarterback Andrew Luck will experience a sort of homecoming. His family lives in West Virginia, where his father, Oliver, is the athletic director at West Virginia University.

By Evan Hilbert

Aug 15, 2012 at 7:09 pm ET • 1 min read

"It's only an hour drive for my parents to go to the game," Luck told the Indianapolis Star. "That's what I'm happy about. But they're a great franchise, with a lot of history, a lot of recent history. It will be a thrill to go and play out there."

In addition, Luck is expected to see more time on the field, and he will likely be facing a much stiffer test in the Pittsburgh defense. He will also be playing in his first road game as a pro, so communication will be key on the offense.

"It's the first road game and just not knowing what to expect," Luck told the paper. "I'll pick some of the veterans' minds about that. Dealing with the crowd noise and silent counts, we'll see how that will go."

Game 1 retrospective: Stampede Blue provides a solid rundown of how Colts draft picks fared in their debuts. Obviously Luck was in the spotlight, but several players stepped up. Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, though, didn't produce as much as expected. Sunday night will provide another opportunity for the rookies to impress.

Return of Brackett? With linebacker Pat Angerer out for several weeks with a broken foot, some wondered if former Colt Gary Brackett would return to his former team. Coach Chuck Pagano was asked about it, and, well, it's not likely. Jerrell Freeman will start in Angerer's spot Sunday.

Reddings returns: Defensive end Cory Redding will be in the starting lineup Sunday after missing the opener with an injured elbow. “What elbow? All is good. Even though I’m an old veteran in this league, I heal quick,” Redding told Colts.com. “I’m getting on the playing field, so that’s all that matters.” Redding had 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks in Baltimore last season.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSSportsNFLIND.