49ers vs. Colts: 5 key storylines to watch for San Francisco

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INDIANAPOLIS – NOVEMBER 01: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 18-14. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

The winless San Francisco 49ers visit the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, and Niner Noise takes a look at five key storylines to watch during this road contest.

Four weeks into the head coach Kyle Shanahan’s inaugural season, the San Francisco 49ers have yet to find a win and are now set to reach for one against the 1-3 Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.

This game marks the second of a three-game road trip, following the Niners’ 18-15 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals a week ago.

In three of San Francisco’s four losses, Shanahan’s squad has been close enough to take home a victory. Yet a number of critical self-inflicted mistakes, such a penalties and drops, have hindered a still-rebuilding 49ers squad and all but ensured the team would go without a win.

Perhaps that changes on Sunday, as the Colts are dealing with their own problems.

Indy quarterback Andrew Luck (shoulder) returned to practice this week after missing all of training camp through Week 4. But, as NFL.com’s Marc Sessler reported, there isn’t any timetable for Luck’s return to action.

That means the Niners will have to face off against backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett on Sunday — an advantage that clearly favors San Francisco’s defense.

That’s one story to watch, and we’ll start there, in this list of five storylines fans should pay attention to in Week 5.