Andrew Luck Colts 2015
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, left, said he plans to start against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. Getty Images

Despite reports of a partially separated shoulder, quarterback Andrew Luck said he intends to start for the Indianapolis Colts when they meet the 1-3 Houston Texans in Thursday night's AFC South matchup.

“I’m preparing to start and to play,” Luck told reporters on Tuesday.

Luck also addressed the report from FOX59 Indianapolis from earlier this week that explained the full extent of his injury. The report said Luck underwent an MRI after Week 3’s victory over Tennessee, and three different experts reviewed the results with the diagnosis ruled a subluxation of his throwing shoulder, or a separation.

“I don’t want to give credence to any report,” Luck said. “People have told me a lot of different things about what I allegedly have or don’t have, so I’m not going to address one and give it credence.”

Luck sat out the first game of his career, Week 4’s narrow 16-13 overtime win over Jacksonville.

The 26-year-old Pro Bowler threw on Saturday, attempting to possibly start against the Jaguars, but opted to sit out. Instead, the Colts went with veteran backup Matt Hasselbeck who threw one touchdown pass for the team’s second-straight win.

Listed as a limited participant in Monday and Tuesday’s practices, Luck was also asked about whether he had the same “zip” in his passes, and he again deflected a full response.

“That’s a good question,” he said. “I think I’ve gotten better every day. I don’t think I’m necessarily where I’d want to be today in a perfect, perfect world.”

Luck’s put on some uneven performances in three games this season, completing 56 percent of his passes for 753 yards, five touchdowns and a league-worst seven interceptions. The inconsistency is a bit of surprise given Luck's steady play in previous seasons, but his offensive line has also allowed eight sacks and 27 quarterback hits.

The Texans will send out defensive end J.J. Watt, who’s second in the league with 4.0 sacks, and Luck can’t afford to take more punishment barely a quarter into the season.

But Luck’s put up the best numbers of hist short career against Houston. In six games, Luck’s posted a 5-1 record with 1,385 yards, 14 touchdowns to three interceptions, and a 90.4 passer rating.