Colts injury update: Center Ryan Kelly out with calf injury

NASHVILLE — Veteran Colts center Ryan Kelly left Sunday’s game with a calf injury in the second half, forcing rookie Tanor Bortolini back into the lineup.

Kelly had just returned to the lineup in his own right.

Forced to miss the last two games due to a neck injury, Kelly fought his way back into the lineup to start against Tennessee, but he suffered a calf injury midway through the game. Indianapolis initially said Kelly was questionable, then ruled him out of action, handing the job back to Bortolini.

The Colts now have two rookies on the starting offensive line.

Undrafted offensive lineman Dalton Tucker made his first NFL start in place of Will Fries, and Bortolini has started the past two games at center, playing well in place of Kelly.

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Kelly’s injury is a difficult blow for the longest-tenured player in Indianapolis.

The 31-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and the Colts resisted overtures from Kelly’s camp to sign him to an extension this offseason, then drafted Bortolini, putting pressure on Kelly to perform in his ninth year with Indianapolis.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts injury update: Center Ryan Kelly out with calf injury