Indianapolis, IN

After he was medically cleared to coach after months of leukemia treatment, the Indianapolis Colts are hoping that Chuck Pagano could return to the sidelines during the team's season finale against the Houston Texans Dec. 30.

"It's still up in the air," interim coach Bruce Arians told the Indianapolis Star. "Later this week, hopefully, we'll be able to know something for sure."

Arians said Pagano "feels great and his blood count was good", hoping to see him back for Monday's preparation for the Texans game.

"The perfect timing would be (for Pagano to) come in Christmas Eve," Arians said. "It would be a great Christmas present for all of us. That's what our goal is. Hopefully he can start Monday."

With Pagano at the helm, Arians is confident that the Colts can clinch a win over the Texans and secure a playoff spot.

Some of Pagano's players are eager to welcome him back, including this year's top overall pick Andrew Luck.

"It will be great," Luck said. "I'm sure it will be emotional for a lot of people. But when it comes, and hopefully soon, it'll be very nice to sort of have our head coach back."

Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia during the Colts' Week 4 bye. He then turned over the team's reins to Arians, his offensive coordinator.

As interim coach, Arians has done a great job in keeping the team afloat with a 9-5 record while waiting for Pagano's return.

 

 

Copyright © 2012 iHaveNet.com