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Colts Could Start All Rookie Right Side of Offensive Line

By Luke Schultheis

Sep 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) motions at the line of scrimmage during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) motions at the line of scrimmage during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Due to injuries to starters Denzelle Good and Joe Reitz, the Indianapolis Colts could have some rookie reinforcements assuming starting duties along the right side of their offensive line on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Indianapolis Colts could have some rookie starters joining this year’s 1st round pick, Ryan Kelly, along the right side of their offensive line.

With injuries to incumbent starters Denzelle Good (back) at right guard, as well as Joe Reitz at right tackle (back) next to him–both of whom were limited participants in practice Thursday, the Colts could be forced to turn to the likes of rookie reinforcements such as Joe Haeg, Austin Blythe, and/or Le’Raven Clark, especially with proven interior backup Jonotthan Harrison already declared out for Sunday recovering from an emergency appendectomy.

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Josh Ferguson (34) and offensive guard Jack Mewhort (75) and center Ryan Kelly (78) and offensive guard Denzelle Good (71) and offensive tackle Joe Reitz (76) and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Josh Ferguson (34) and offensive guard Jack Mewhort (75) and center Ryan Kelly (78) and offensive guard Denzelle Good (71) and offensive tackle Joe Reitz (76) and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Obviously, having three rookie starters along the offensive line is not an ideal situation for the team’s pass protection–one that has already allowed quarterback Andrew Luck to become the league’s highest pressured passer through 3 games.

However, to be fair, Kelly has been rock solid for the Colts at center, while Haeg has showed considerable poise when given the opportunity for playing time. Nevertheless, it’s not exactly a recipe for sustained success, even if it’s for such a short, one game stint.

It’s worth noting that the Colts did have three rookie starters along their offensive line for all of 4 snaps last weekend against the Chargers, as Blythe filled in for 4 snaps in the wake of starting left guard Jack Mewhort‘s temporary in-game injury.

Nevertheless, head coach Chuck Pagano values his young offensive lineman’s overall versatility–some of whom have already been thrown into the fire earlier this season:

"“He’s got position flexibility, Austin (Blythe) does,” said Colts head coach Chuck Pagano on Thursday regarding potential offensive line replacements. “He can play center. Joe Haeg’s got position flexibility there, so we’ll see how things shake out over the next 48-72 hours and see who becomes available.”“You’ve got Le’Raven Clark sitting there, who’s a big, athletic, and strong guy that can help in there as well,” added Pagano."

The encouraging news is that Pagano is hoping that one of Good or Reitz could still be available to start on Sunday:

"“I’m thinking one of those guys (Good and Reitz) might be able to go. If not, we’ve got plenty,” noted Pagano."

As such, it appears that the Colts have plenty of confidence in their rookie offensive lineman and rightfully so, given that outside of Kelly, Haeg has looked good in starting spot duty, while Blythe has held his own in very limited action.

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