INDIANAPOLIS – Matt Goncalves might need to review the video to evaluate and savor his first regular-season rep with the Indianapolis Colts offense.
“To be honest, I kind of blacked out,’’ the rookie offensive lineman said Thursday with a sheepish smile.
As a refresher, the Colts’ third-round draft pick out of Pittsburgh was rushed into the week 7 meeting with the Miami Dolphins at left guard late in the first quarter when Quenton Nelson was shaken up.
First-and-10 at the Indy 36.
“The next thing I know, I’m in the huddle,’’ Goncalves said. “My heart’s racing.’’
Center Ryan Kelly made the line calls and Goncalves did his job. He burst off the line and engaged tackle D’Shawn Hand, then moved forward and got a piece of linebacker David Long Jr. Tyler Goodson slashed the Dolphins for 9 yards.
Nelson immediately returned.
That was the first of Goncalves’ three plays in his pro debut on offense. His second was as an eligible, extra lineman on the left side on a third-and-1 on the same drive – Trey Sermon converted with a 4-yard run – while the third was as part of the victory formation at right tackle on the final play.
Prior to that, Goncalves had been on the field for 25 special teams snaps in the first six games.
Things are about to change. No more spot duty for a versatile player considered part of the Colts’ long-term offensive line plans.
Goncalves is in line to make his first NFL start and it promises to be noteworthy and memorable: at left tackle and on NBC’s Sunday Night Football stage when the Colts meet the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Bernhard Raimann has missed the first two practices this week after experiencing concussion symptoms the day after the Colts’ 23-20 loss at Houston. He remains in the league’s concussion protocol.
There’s been no official announcement from the team regarding Plan B at left tackle, but it’s clear nonetheless.
Nelson was asked how he and the rest of the o-linemen could help if a young player was inserted at left tackle.
“Just communicate a little bit more,’’ he said. “Matt, being a rookie, obviously doesn’t have the experience that Bernie has and the chemistry that Bernie and I have because we’ve played so many games together. That’s huge for our position. Just knowing where the guy next to you is going to be on every play and how we’re going to do our job by passing off games on our double teams.’’
Kelly is the Pro Bowl anchor at center, and already has witnessed the impact rookies have had. When he missed two games with a neck injury, Tanor Bortolini, a fourth-round pick, stepped in. After right guard Will Fries suffered a season-ending broken leg at Jacksonville, undrafted rookie Dalton Tucker has started the last three games.
“Then Matt will start this week, right?’’ Kelly said. “Those are three rookies. Everybody talks about being a rookie in this league, having growing pains. Sometimes when you play offensive line, it’s not always easy. But you’ve got to play five as one. That’s what makes our group so special. Those guys got to be ready. They’ve been ready and they will be ready.’’
Goncalves is a tackle by trade, but position coach Tony Sparano Jr. cross-trains his backups.
He’s worked at both tackle spots – he started the second preseason game at right tackle, then took the majority of the snaps at left tackle in Cincinnati – and gotten reps behind Nelson.
“I’ve been snapping,’’ Goncalves said.
His 24 career starts at Pittsburgh were split by 11 at left tackle and 13 at right tackle.
If Goncalves starts Sunday night, he and the rest of the o-line must deal with a Vikings defense that has generated 24 sacks from nine players and 57 pressures. The sack total is tied for fourth-most in the league even though Minnesota has played seven games.
Coordinator Brian Flores is known for his complicated blitzes. Outside linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard and Pat Jones II have 5 sacks each.
Richardson reaction
Kelly, Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner were taken aback by coach Shane Steichen’s decision to bench quarterback Anthony Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco.
“Yeah, I was surprised,’’ Nelson said.
“I mean, yeah, like everybody else,’’ added Buckner.
And Kelly?
“I was a little surprised,’’ he said. “Shane gave me a heads up. I respected him for doing that. It was a good courtesy call, I guess.’’
All three franchise cornerstones were steadfast in their support of Richardson.
“I let AR know that despite the situation, the guys always got his back and we’re always here for him,’’ Buckner said. “I just told him that you have to use this moment as a growth experience and continue to develop as a quarterback and a leader. I mean, just don’t let this moment define him as a player, as a person. It’s here for him to develop and it’s going to help him shape into the person he’s meant to be.’’
Revolving door never stops
Kelly was asked if he was frustrated by yet another quarterback change.
“I mean, I’d be lying to you if I said no,’’ he said. “It’s 12 guys. Can name them all. Good friends with all of them. Just kind of reality, right? In some ways, it’s a blessing. I think I get to learn a lot from these different quarterbacks and . . . remember who they are. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’d like to have a guy for the first time I walked in the door till the last time I left.’’
The 12: Richardson, Flacco, Gardner Minshew II, Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, Nick Foles, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Jacoby Brissett, Brian Hoyer, Andrew Luck and Scott Tolzien.
Does Kelly remember the last time the Colts visited Minnesota? It was week 15 of the chaotic 2022 season. Indy built a 33-0 halftime lead, then suffered the largest collapse in league history. The Vikings won 39-36 in overtime.
“I’ve tried to erase the entire 2022 season,’’ Kelly said. “I don’t remember much of it.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.