The Indianapolis Colts will be without Ryan Kelly on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. In his place, will be rookie Tanor Bortolini.
#Colts rookie Tanor Bortolini, the fourth rounder from Wisconsin, will make his first career start today against the #Steelers, sources say. Long-time center Ryan Kelly (neck) won't be able to go today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 29, 2024
Kelly was a full participant during Wednesday’s practice but would miss Thursday and Friday’s practices with a neck injury and was listed as questionable heading into this game.
Bortolini has been a healthy inactive the first three weeks of the season. With veteran Danny Pinter on the roster as well, he provided depth at center and both guard positions through these first few games.
However, instead of giving Pinter the start, the Colts are opting to give Bortolini some very valuable in-game reps.
Across from Bortolinni will be Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and one of the best run defenses in football. As a unit, the Steelers are allowing the second-fewest yards per carry this season. It won’t be easy against this front, but the Colts have to remain committed to the run game in this matchup.
Bortolini was a fourth-round pick by the Colts this past April. He appeared in the first two preseason games playing 63 snaps at center, according to PFF, before missing the finale with a toe injury.
During training camp, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter spoke about the difficult learning curve that can come at the center position when making the jump from college to the NFL.