Colts Rookie to Start vs. Steelers with Ryan Kelly Out

Indianapolis Colts rookie fourth-rounder Tanor Bortolini will make his first career start against the Steelers.

The Indianapolis Colts have announced that veteran Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly won't play against the Pittsburgh Steelers this afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on X.

#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

Rapoport said:

"#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."

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In a crucial game where the offensive line was needed at full strength, rookie fourth-rounder Tanor Bortolini will step up in his first career start. However, the former Wisconsin Badger will have a brutal task, as the Steelers will likely test the rookie with Cam Heyward often.

This game is a baptism-by-fire scenario for the rookie Bortolini. But, Bortolini will have incredible support on both sides with left and right guards Quenton Nelson and Will Fries. Also, Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor are more than capable of making plays on their own to help Bortolini.

Given how well offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. has fared in his role, it's same to assume Bortolini will be as prepared as possible for a very difficult challenge in the Pittsburgh defense. We'll see what happens with a big development at the center position for the Colts.

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