Joe Reitz Starting Tonight Against Texans

Colts’ fans knew fill-in Lance Louis would be starting tonight at right guard, what remained unclear, was whether Joe Reitz or A.Q. Shipley would be starting on the other side.

It’s now known that Joe Reitz will get his first start of the season in tonight’s game against the Houston Texans.

Reitz, an Indianapolis and Southeastern High School product, has 20 career starts with the Colts, all along the offensive line.

This season, he had appeared in 2 games, having missed the first 3 games due to a high ankle sprain suffered in preseason. Per the team’s official depth chart, he’s also listed as the Colts’ primary back-up at left tackle behind Anthony Castonzo.

It’s worth noting that Reitz last started for the Colts in 2013, where he had 3 starts. The advanced statistics provided by ProFootballFocus (subscription) gave him a positive overall grade of +5.5, the highest grade of any Colts’ offensive guard during last season.

Reitz, a 4-year veteran, should be ready for the challenge; however, it’s a tough starting debut against a Texans’ defensive line anchored by All-Pro DL, J.J. Watt.