Colts, Luck look to avoid rookie wall

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Andrew Luck has put up some great numbers, but he has yet to play more than 13 games in any season. He and the rest of the rookie class are trying to avoid hitting that rookie wall, where you start breaking down physically and mentally.

Colts coach Bruce Arians sent out his own warning.

"I started two weeks ago harassing them about the rookie wall and what to expect, and it's more of a mental fatigue than a physical fatigue,” said Arians. “They're all doing a good job taking care of their bodies right now, they're running fast and doing those things, it's the mental grind, and this is when the big boys play — December."

Eight rookies see action, but most of the attention falls on number 12 taking snaps.

"I realize I'm not allowed to feel it, especially where this team is right now, what's at stake,” Luck said. “It's been alright to this point. I think it would be a disservice to my teammates at this point if I started feeling sorry for myself."

What helps? Veterans who've been through it, and the Colts have a long list ready to help out when needed.

"It's more of a marathon than a sprint, you know, so you have to tell the guys just to stick to it and just stay on top of the details," said rush linebacker Robert Mathis.

Ten year veteran defender Cory Redding, who’s gotten his own bumps and bruises all season, lives by a simple rule.

"Just keep working, as long as we do that we'll be fine,” he said. “We'll bring the young guys around, they'll follow our lead, they'll see what the older heads do around here. Nothing's going to change, we just need to keep pressing on, persevering, keep playing and if we do that we'll be fine."

And with Thanksgiving coming up, coach Arians is holding an early practice Thursday so the guys can relax with their families before getting back to work on Buffalo on Friday.