The 1-2 Indianapolis Colts host the 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium for their fourth regular season game of the 2024 season at noon. One crucial matchup that could ultimately determine the fate of this game is the number-one ranked Steelers defensive line versus the number-one ranked Colts offensive line in the battle of the trenches.
However, their offensive line will be shorthanded for today’s game.
The Indianapolis Colts ruled out their Pro Bowl center
Ryan Kelly has been dealing with a neck injury for quite some time. After being a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, Kelly did not participate in Thursday and Friday’s practice and was questionable for today’s game. Unfortunately, the Indianapolis Colts have downgraded him to out. His being inactive paves the way for their rookie to start.
The Indianapolis Colts rookie will make his first career start
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, with Ryan Kelly out, rookie Tanor Bortolini will make his first start of his NFL career. Bortolini played four college football seasons for the Wisconsin Badgers, appearing in 35 games and starting 28, including 12 at center in 2023. The Colts selected him 117th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft to provide depth to their interior offensive line and potentially replace Kelly as the starting center.
#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
He will have his hands full
Tanor Bortolini will have his hands full when he lines up against defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive front. Heyward is coming off an underwhelming 2023 campaign, in which he battled a core muscle injury and a torn groin, which caused him to miss six games. He was ineffective when he returned.
Now that Heyward signed a massive extension and is healthy, he is still dominant, even as a 35-year-old, hence his 90.0 PFF grade. Good luck, Bortolini.
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