Colts starting center Tanor Bortolini misses practice, seen with brace on right foot

Colts starting center Tanor Bortolini did not participate in Wednesday's open media practice at the team's facility, donning a brace on his right foot, ankle and lower leg. The fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft assumed the starting position during his rookie year, filling in for the injured Ryan Kelly. Bortolini appeared in 12 games and started five in 2024, taking over as the main starter after Kelly's departure in free agency. He played all but one game in 2023, with the exception of a Week 17 matchup against the Jaguars.

Bortolini's backup is Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, a recently acquired addition. The Colts traded a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills on August 30 for Van Pran-Granger and a 2027 seventh-round pick, both on the day of roster cutdowns. This move aimed to address the team's concern over depth at the center position, following the loss of backup Danny Pinter in free agency and the struggles of veteran Dalton Tucker at the position.

During Wednesday's practice, apart from Bortolini, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jaylon Carlies, Ashton Dulin and Arden Key were absent. Head coach Shane Steichen disclosed that Key suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's game in London, and Carlies sustained a rib injury. Dulin, recovering from two missed games due to an ankle injury, also experienced a hamstring injury.

Davis-Gaither appeared on the field wearing a T-shirt during the start of the practice, while wide receiver Keenan Allen was present and confirmed to be out for the Week 4 game on Saturday due to a groin injury.