Following the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 9 matchup with Minnesota, center Ryan Kelly was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Earlier this week, he was designated to return to practice. This then opened up a 21-day window for Kelly to be activated and added back to the 53-man roster. He can be activated at any time–and once he is, he is able to play on Sundays–but it’s all dependent upon his health.
Kelly was a limited participant for all three days of practice this week and was initially listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report.
Ryan Kelly injury update
After Kelly was originally listed as questionable on Friday, the team announced that he had been downgraded to out on Saturday and will remain on injured reserve for the time being.
What it means for Colts vs. Broncos
Without Kelly, Tanor Bortolini will get the start at center. Bortolini would miss the Colts’ Week 13 game with New England due to a concussion but returned to practice this week after clearing protocols. He was a full participant all three days and did not have an injury designation for this game.
This week’s game will provide a big test for Bortolini and the Colts’ offensive line as a whole. The Denver defensive front ranks third in both yards per rush allowed and quarterback pressure rate this season.
On the year, Bortolini ranks 14th in pass-blocking efficiency among all centers. In PFF’s run-blocking grade, Bortolini ranks 19th. He has played 349 offensive snaps this year.