Decimated Colts Offensive Line Gets More Bad News

On the Monday presser from Shane Steichen, he told the media that rookie center Tanor Bortolini has been placed in concussion protocol after suffering some postgame symptoms. Bortolini was filling in for the starter Ryan Kelly, who is on IR with a knee injury. This adds him to a list of injuries this season that includes Ryan Kelly, Will Fries (season ending), and Bernhard Raimann. This offensive line was manhandled against Detroit in their 24-6 loss, and losing another lineman for the week will make their challenge even greater.

Offensive Line Troubles Piling Up

Week 12 against the Lions showed us how much work still needs to be done on this offensive line. They struggled on the protection of Anthony Richardson, and while they didn’t allow a sack, he was under duress quite a bit, and it affected his overall statistics. The line was without starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann again for the second straight week, and rookie Dalton Tucker continues to show his youth. He has allowed multiple pressures, hits, and sacks these past few weeks. It’s not surprising, as the franchise could put out their 9th different starting lineup this season if Bortolini cannot get through protocol by Sunday.

The Colts did sign former Colt and veteran interior lineman Mark Glowinski to the practice squad. Obviously, these moves are made for depth and competition reasons, but in this case, it was to let Dalton Tucker know that his level of play has not been satisfactory. Glowinski is 32 years old now, and was the Colts starting right guard for 55 games in 2018-2021.

Next Man Up

With Ryan Kelly out and now Bortolini, the Colts will turn to veteran 3rd string interior lineman Danny Pinter. The South Bend and Ball State product would make his season debut on the offensive line. He was drafted in the 5th round by the Colts in the 2020 NFL Draft. He played a rotation basis most of his time in Indianapolis, and missed all last season with an ankle injury. He has not seen a snap on the offensive line this season outside of special teams work.

If Pinter starts this week, he will have his work cut out for him. While this Patriots team has been underwhelming this season, we really saw the Colts step away from the run game last week amidst the issues on the offensive line. We saw what happens when this offense becomes one dimensional and reliant on the passing game. The Lions feasted on not having to deal with Jonathan Taylor nearly the entire second half as they played with the lead. This offensive line will need to clean up the past week’s mistakes if they want to leave New England with a win. They better, because every game going forward for Indianapolis is now a must win if they want to have any chance at the playoffs.