The Indianapolis Colts announced on Saturday that center Ryan Kelly had been downgraded to out for Sunday’s matchup with the Denver Broncos.
Initially, on Friday’s final injury report, Kelly had been listed as questionable.
Kelly was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury following the Colts’ Week 9 matchup against Minnesota. He was designated to return to practice earlier in the week, but after being downgraded to out, he will remain on injured reserve.
Once a player has been designated to return, a 21-day window opens for him to be added back to the active roster. The player can be added back at any time within that window; it is all dependent upon their health, and once that process is completed, the player can be active on Sundays.
Without Kelly on Sunday, rookie Tanor Bortolini will get the start at center. He missed the Colts’ Week 13 game in concussion protocol, but returned this week and was a full participant in practice all three days.
This season, Bortolini ranks 14th in pass-blocking efficiency among all centers. In PFF’s run-blocking grade, Bortolini ranks 19th. He has played 349 offensive snaps this year.
The Colts’ offensive line will be up against a Broncos defensive line that ranks third in yards per rush allowed with 3.8 and third in pressure rate as well.
