As the 1-2 Indianapolis Colts prepare to host the undefeated 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium, one battle looms large: the clash between the top-ranked Steelers defensive line and the number-one ranked Colts offensive line. The outcome of this contest could very well hinge on this battle of the trenches, but the Colts are heading into the game shorthanded.
Indianapolis will be without Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly, who has been ruled out with a lingering neck injury. Despite practicing fully on Wednesday, Kelly’s condition worsened, and he did not participate in Thursday or Friday’s practices. Initially listed as questionable, Kelly was officially downgraded to inactive for the game. This opens the door for rookie Tanor Bortolini to make his first NFL start.
Bortolini, the Colts’ fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin, played 35 games during his college career, starting 28 of them, including 12 at center in his senior year. Drafted to provide depth and potentially succeed Kelly, the rookie is now thrust into a starting role against one of the NFL’s fiercest defensive fronts.
The 23-year-old will face his toughest challenge yet in lining up against Steelers veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. After an injury-marred 2023 season, Heyward is back to his dominant self, earning a stellar 90.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. The 35-year-old defensive stalwart will look to exploit Bortolini’s inexperience, putting added pressure on the Colts’ rookie.
#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
For Bortolini, the task is monumental. Not only is he stepping into the shoes of a Pro Bowl center, but he’ll also be tasked with keeping quarterback Anthony Richardson upright against a defensive line that has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses all season. If the Colts’ offensive line can hold up, Indianapolis has a chance to pull off an upset. But with a rookie in the spotlight, the Steelers’ defense will be primed to take advantage.
This matchup could be the defining moment of the game—and perhaps the season—for both teams. The Colts will need their offensive line to protect Richardson and open running lanes for Jonathan Taylor. The Steelers, meanwhile, will look to maintain their undefeated record by overpowering Indianapolis’ injury-depleted line. All eyes will be on Bortolini as he faces one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders in his debut.
