Stampede Blue
The Colts could be getting back a veteran reinforcement ahead of a must-win road game against the Denver Broncos.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen indicated on Monday that there’s a ‘good possibility’ that veteran Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly (knee) returns after the bye week in two weeks (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):
Kelly has spent the past four weeks on injured reserve, recovering from a knee injury, and will be already eligible to return ahead of Week 15’s critical matchup.
It comes at an opportune time for the Colts offensive line, as Indianapolis has essentially a ‘must win’ road game against the Denver Broncos (7-5) after the bye to keep Indy’s playoff hopes alive, currently on the outside looking in, for the AFC’s final #7 seed—which the Broncos occupy right now.
On the season, Kelly has a +63.7 overall grade (per PFF), including a +70.3 pass blocking grade. He’s allowed a sack and 7 total QB pressures during 222 total pass blocking snaps—having started 7 games so far for the Colts during the 2024 season.
In Kelly’s absence, rookie interior lineman Tanor Bortolini has largely held his own out there, with a PFF grade of +65.1 overall in 5 career starts—while 4th-year pro Danny Pinter made a strong spot start during this past Sunday’s victory, recording a +82.9 overall grade.
The 31-year-old Kelly is in the last year of his current Colts contract, with a $14.625M cap hit, and the Colts reportedly have not actively engaged his representation for a potential extension to-date.
It’s very possible that the former 2016 first round pick of Indianapolis, who’s spent his entire 9-year career with the Colts organization—and has become a 4x NFL Pro Bowler in the process, could be making his last career starts for the Horseshoe down the 2024 season’s final stretch.
There appears to be a good chance that Bortolini, who’s shown initial promise as a rookie, is envisioned as the heir apparent at starting center for the Colts—as soon as next season.
For what it’s worth, Steichen did not have an update for starting slot wideout Josh Downs’ availability against the Denver Broncos in two weeks—who’s a key cog within their offense.
