Indianapolis Colts’ rookie center Tanor Bortolini is returning to the practice field on Wednesday, announced head coach Shane Steichen prior to practice.
Following the Colts’ Wee 12 loss to Detroit, Bortolini entered concussion protocols. He did not practice at all during the week leading up to the New England matchup and would miss that game.
With Kelly on injured reserve at that time and Bortolini out, the Colts turned to veteran Danny Pinter to start at center. Pinter allowed just one pressure, according to Pro Football Focus, and along with right guard Mark Glowinski, generated some steady push in the run game.
In addition to Bortolini being back on the practice field, so is Kelly, who the Colts designated to return on Wednesday as well.
The Colts now have 21 days to activate Kelly back to the active roster. Whether it be Day 1 or Day 21, Kelly can be activated and available on Sundays at any time, it’s just all dependent upon his health as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury.
We will have to see how the rest of the week unfolds to get a better idea of whether or not Kelly can play against Denver, but once he’s available, Steichen said he would return to the starting lineup.
Overall, Bortolini has held his own this season, allowing seven pressures and no sacks on the year, ranking 14th in pass-blocking efficiency among all centers. By PFF’s run-blocking grade, Bortolini ranks 19th. He has played 349 offensive snaps this season.
As the Colts look to make a playoff push, more consistent play from the offensive line–which is getting healthier–will be a must. The run game got going against New England, but struggled the month prior, and Anthony Richardson has been under pressure at the fifth-highest rate among all quarterbacks in the last three games.
Across from the Colts’ offensive line this week will be a Denver front that is among the best in both pressure rate and yards per rush allowed.
