Colts Lose a Top Offensive Lineman to Brutal Injury Against Jaguars

The Indianapolis Colts had more unfortunate roster news following a 37-34 loss to the Jaguars.

Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries (75) stands with teammates before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts suffered another major injury in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars as starting right guard Will Fries was carted off the field during the third quarter. After the game, head coach Shane Steichen announced that Fries would undergo surgery in Jacksonville for a tibia injury (via James Boyd | The Athletic).

#Colts HC Shane Steichen said RG Will
Fries broke his right tibia and will stay in Jacksonville tonight to undergo surgery.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 6, 2024

Fries has started along the offensive line for the last three seasons and leaves behind massive shoes to fill at right guard. The Colts haven't announced the severity of his injury, but it doesn't look like Fries will be returning anytime soon.

The Colts have two options who can play at right guard in place of Fries. First, rookie interior lineman Tanor Bortolini could slide from center to right guard if Ryan Kelly returns in Week 6. Bortolini played at center in Weeks 4 and 5 after Kelly suffered a neck injury and played well in his two appearances.

Another option for the Colts would be undrafted free agent Dalton Tucker who filled in for Fries until the end of Sunday's loss. Tucker, 24, spent his college career at Marshall University where he started 30 games at three positions (RG, RT, and LT).

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IOL Dalton Tucker appears to be the UDFA with the best chance to make the Colts' roster this offseason.

He had a strong first preseason game last week and has been working as the second team RG for most of camp. Pretty good measureables too! Size + explosiveness pic.twitter.com/mn7Glu6cCM

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) August 16, 2024

Tucker's versatility and athleticism led him to earn a roster spot after a grueling training camp battle this summer. He took snaps with the second-team unit throughout practices and could be the next man up for the Colts as the team looks for a temporary solution.

In the preseason, Tucker earned a 62.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 169 offensive snaps. He made his best roster case against the Denver Broncos in the team's first preseason game when he earned an 80.5 pass blocking grade.

Between Bortolini and Tucker, the Colts' coaching staff has a decision to make. Offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. has brought his group back to glory as they rank toward the top of the league, but injuries continue to tear apart the team.

An awesome job by the #Colts offensive line on JT's 2-yard TD.

Tanor Bortolini drives his man to the endzone, Bernhard Raimann holds strong vs Cam Heyward, Big Q keeps Patrick Queen from blowing it up, and Will Fries works off the double team to seal the lane. pic.twitter.com/55kfZySTLx

— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) September 30, 2024

Regardless of who is chosen, the backup will need to keep quarterback Anthony Richardson safe when he returns to action from an oblique injury.

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