Reeling Texans (0-3) in 'must win' mode at Colts

The image of Colts quarterback Andrew Luck watching from the sideline as his backup, Jacoby Brissett, attempted an unsuccessful Hail Mary against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday fueled a series of inquiries regarding Luck and the structural integrity of his right shoulder.

Luck not only missed the entire 2017 season with a shoulder injury, but he has also returned this season to helm an offense that ranks 31st in the league in yards per pass attempt (5.3) and dead last in yards per completion (7.8). That Luck and the Colts are either restricted in their ability to stretch the field or are too cautious to do so is a topic of conversation.

"On one coin I think I'll always be a work in progress and I'd like to think that every day I can become a better thrower," said Luck, whose Colts (1-2) host the Houston Texans (0-3) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. "And whether that means more zip on a throw, whether that means putting it an inch to the left, an inch to the right or on (the receiver's) right shoulder or in the appropriate spot, the approach I'm taking, the approach this team is taking is we always can improve, we always have to get better.

"And at the same time I know I'm at a level where I can make all the throws. I feel confident that I'm going out there with my full arsenal. I don't think anything is physically holding me back."

The Colts will be hamstrung by injury up front. Right tackle Joe Haeg (ankle) was lost against the Eagles and did not practice on Wednesday. Anthony Castonzo, listed on the depth chart as the starter at left tackle, also did not practice and has yet to play this season. Line injuries are always ill-timed; having them with Texans defensive end J.J. Watt on deck is doubly concerning.

"You always game plan certain things," Colts coach Frank Reich said. "You chip guys, you try to get some out quick, you use different avenues. ... But we'll try to mix it up and we trust our guys to do the job."

Limited to eight games over the previous two seasons, Watt became the first player in NFL history to post eight tackles (including four tackles for loss), four quarterback hits, three sacks, and one forced fumble twice, serving as the lone highlight for the winless Texans (0-3) in their loss to the New York Giants.

"I think last game it started to show up on the stat line more maybe than it did the first couple games, but I think it's still a work in progress and I still have a lot to improve on and get better at," Watt said. "I'm by no means where I want to be yet, but we're getting there."

The Colts have been getting it done defensively, and lead the league in tackles for loss.

Their slashing front seven is another test for the Texans, who have not been able to string together drives in part due to a wobbly offensive line.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sacked 10 times and is completing only 59.4 percent of his passes.

Watt said the defense is taking Week 4 as a personal mission because "nobody in here expected to be 0-3."

New safety Tyrann Mathieu doubled down.

"We have to win this game," he said. "We just have to win."