Indianapolis will be without another starter along the offensive line.
The Indianapolis Colts have placed starting center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve, according to The Athletic’s James Boyd.
#Colts say they’ve placed starting C Ryan Kelly on IR. He’ll miss at least the next four games and be eligible to return after the bye week when Indy plays at Denver.
Rookie C Tanor Bortolini, who’s started two games this year in Kelly’s previous absences, will take over.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 5, 2024
While it’s currently unclear what kind of injury led to Kelly being placed on IR, the former first-round pick will now miss the next four games.
According to Boyd, Kelly’s injury is not season-ending, and the expectation is that he could return following the Colts’ bye week.
This is not a season-ending injury for #Colts C Ryan Kelly, per source. The expectation is that he’ll have a chance to return after the bye week. https://t.co/umBiFMdxcy
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 5, 2024
With Kelly now sidelined for at least the next four games, rookie fourth-round pick Tanor Bortolini will be Indianapolis’ starter at center going forward. Bortolini has already started two games for the Colts this season.
Kelly is now the third Colts offensive lineman who will miss time due to an injury this season, joining left tackle Bernhard Raimann (concussion) and right guard Will Fries (season-ending tibia).
Bortolini is also one of three rookies to start along the Colts’ offensive line. Tackle Matt Goncalves and right guard Dalton Tucker are the other two.
Kelly, 31, signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Colts back in 2020. Kelly has also started in 121 career games over his nine seasons with the Colts. The four-time Pro Bowler is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Time will tell if Kelly has to miss than the four games required after being placed on IR. If Bortolini continues to play well in Kelly’s absence, the Colts could opt to keep the rookie in for the remainder of the season, keeping one eye toward the future at the center position.
