The offensive line was already a huge question mark for the Indianapolis Colts entering the 2023 season. The group is coming off an underwhelming year, and it was clear in the preseason that they also lacked depth. Unfortunately, the line just took another hit, as head coach Shane Steichen reveled on Saturday that Danny Pinter broke his ankle and will be out for the season.
Danny Pinter, a 2020 fifth-round pick for the Colts, is from South Bend, Indiana, went to Ball State, and was listed as the second-team center for Indianapolis entering this season. Unfortunately, in the second half of Indy’s preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, Pinter had his ankle rolled up on. The visual didn’t look good, and the entire team came onto the field as Pinter left on a cart, and on Saturday, Steichen confirmed what everyone had expected.
That means Pinter will unfortunately be sidelined for his fourth season in the league. For the Colts, it means an already thin group gets even thinner, and that Indy must turn to the free agent market for help.
The Colts desperately need more IOL help, especially if Danny Pinter misses a lot of time. Some guys I’d keep an eye on:
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) August 25, 2023
Nick Harris (Browns)
Ben Cleveland (Ravens)
Mike Caliendo (Chiefs)
Royce Newman (Packers)
Alec Anderson/Nick Broeker (Bills)
Colts must find veteran offensive line help
There are some available linemen that Indianapolis can bring in for help. Naturally, everyone will turn their attention to Dalton Risner. After four years in the league with the Denver Broncos, Risner has been sitting in free agency as one of the best available linemen all offseason. Plenty of fanbases have been asking for their teams to sign Risner, and that includes Colts fans, even before Pinter went down.
However, Risner isn’t the only option, especially with NFL cut day approaching. All 32 teams must be down to 53-man rosters on Tuesday, so that means a ton of players will be cut, even promising ones. The Colts will certainly have their eyes around the league looking for some veteran linemen to help them improve and get through this season.