Colts announce starting rookie center Tanor Bortolini is in concussion protocol

Is it ‘next man up’ once again for the Colts along the starting offensive line this Sunday?

Per head coach Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts rookie replacement starting center Tanor Bortolini has entered the league’s concussion protocol after Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions—having experienced symptoms overnight:

The Colts’ rookie 4th round pick out of Wisconsin had started the past three games in relief of injured Pro Bowl veteran center Ryan Kelly due to a recent knee injury. Kelly remains on the team’s injured reserve and isn’t eligible to return for at least one more week of action.

Bortolini has made 5 starts on the season so far at center for the Colts.

Per PFF (subscription), Bortolini has earned a +65.1 overall grade—including a +64.4 pass blocking grade. In pass protection, the Colts rookie interior offensive lineman has surrendered 0 sacks and 7 total QB hits during 210 pass blocking snaps.

Despite the concussion, he once again played well in pass blocking on Sunday:

If Bortolini is unavailable for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, it would be Colts’ 5th-year veteran Danny Pinter at starting center for at least one week. The former Ball State standout has appeared in 55 career games for Indianapolis, making 7 starts.

The Patriots defensive line features veteran nose tackle Davon Godchaux and defensive tackle Christian Barmore up front, so while it’s not quite ‘Vince Wilfork’ of the yester-years heated rivalry, it’s still a formidable interior duo for New England.

For the Colts, it’s once again looking like, ‘next man up’ along their starting offensive line.