Colts placing starter on the IR opens the door for a young player to take the reigns on the job earlier than expected

Following their Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Indianapolis Colts announced a major roster move. They are placing veteran starting center Ryan Kelly on the injury reserve.  Colts place Ryan Kelly on IR, rookie Tanor Bortolini set to start  Kelly has been dealing with multiple injuries throughout the year, which has caused him to […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Oct 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen paces the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans during the second half during the second half at Nissan Stadium.
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Following their Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Indianapolis Colts announced a major roster move. 

They are placing veteran starting center Ryan Kelly on the injury reserve. 


Colts place Ryan Kelly on IR, rookie Tanor Bortolini set to start 

Kelly has been dealing with multiple injuries throughout the year, which has caused him to miss two games already and now will force him to miss at least the next four. With him down the team will again turn to rookie Tanor Bortolini to fill Kelly's spot. 

The Colts drafted Bortolini in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin. The versatile lineman plays multiple positions, but his favorite and the spot he feels the most comfortable at his center. There are multiple metrics in which Bortolini has outplayed Kelly during his time on the field this season. 

Many believe Bortolini was drafted to be Kelly's future replacement, with Kelly set to become a free agent after this season. Now, he will have the chance to bring the amount of games he's started up to at least six games. And if he plays well, who knows if he will ever lose his grip on the starting job?