Colts Starting OL Enters Concussion Protocol

The Indianapolis Colts have a key player heading to concussion protocol after a brutal loss to the Lions.

Indianapolis Colts guard Tanor Bortolini (60) warms up before an Indianapolis Colts game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indianapolis Colts rookie offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini is entering concussion protocol, per the team. Bortolini was the team's fourth-round pick this year and has started multiple games in place of Ryan Kelly, who is on the Injured Reserve list.

Bortolini was drafted 117th overall out of the University of Wisconsin, the alma mater of running back Jonathan Taylor. The rookie has started five games for the Colts this season, including the last three against the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions.

Through 349 offensive snaps this season, Bortolini has only drawn one penalty flag against him (per Pro Football Focus). For a first-year player, he's played exceptionally well at the front of the offensive line. In fact, he's one of few rookie linemen to not allow a sack this season.

Rookie offensive linemen who have not yet allowed a sack this season, minimum 80 pass blocking snaps:

Beaux Limmer, Rams (336 pass snaps)
Mason McCormick, Steelers (292)
Tanor Bortolini, Colts (197)
Justin Dedich, Rams (104)
Jordan Morgan, Packers (95) https://t.co/klWyS35KKh pic.twitter.com/gHr8ictbPk

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 25, 2024

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Bortolini's absence will be felt as Kelly remains on IR entering a Week 13 battle against the New England Patriots. Looking at the depth chart, it's likely that Danny Pinter will get snaps at center this Sunday if Bortolini can't go. Pinter has played snaps at center before but has not started a game for Indy since the start of 2022.

For a team that's already starting rookies at multiple positions, more injuries can hardly be afforded. Quarterback Anthony Richardson needs some protection in the pocket, something his line wasn't able to deliver on Sunday against the Lions. Richardson was pressured on nearly 50% of his dropbacks in the loss.

Anthony Richardson took zero sacks vs DET despite being pressured on 46.7% of dropbacks per @NextGenStats

There have been three instances this season where a QB is pressured on 45%+ of his dropbacks in a game but has taken zero sacks: Anthony Richardson is two of them (Wks 7/12)

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) November 25, 2024

Pinter will face his first test against the Patriots this weekend. The Colts are in win-now mode and practically need to win out to make the playoffs. Bortolini and Kelly's health should be of upmost importance to ensure success in the final stretch of the season.

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