Bortolini misses practice, putting Colts’ center depth in focus

Tanor Bortolini did not practice Wednesday because of an ankle issue, opening a question at the middle of the Colts’ offensive line before Sunday’s trip to Pittsburgh. Indianapolis has an identified backup at center, but has not announced a replacement starter or ruled Bortolini out.

The official Week 5 report published by the Steelers lists Bortolini as a nonparticipant on Oct. 7. IndyStar reporter Nathan Brown separately observed a substantial brace on the center’s right foot, ankle and lower leg during the portion of practice open to reporters. The brace adds a concrete observation; it does not establish the severity of the injury or a recovery timetable.

The Colts’ current unofficial depth chart places Sedrick Van Pran-Granger directly behind Bortolini. That makes the backup relevant to this week’s preparation without turning a depth-chart listing into a starting announcement.

Indianapolis acquired Van Pran-Granger from Buffalo on Aug. 30, sending a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for the center and a seventh-round pick. The Colts’ announcement credited him with 31 appearances and two starts over two seasons with the Bills.

Brown’s reporting explains why Indianapolis made the move. Danny Pinter left in free agency, and the club’s attempt to use guard Dalton Tucker at center produced snapping problems during training camp. Brown also reported that Van Pran-Granger’s Buffalo experience included 217 offensive snaps, with 142 coming in two Week 18 starts after the Bills had secured their playoff seeding.

For an RSO roster, the immediate concern is continuity around Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor. A possible center change requires attention to the remaining practice reports, rather than an automatic downgrade based on Wednesday alone. The backup’s limited starting history is context for that uncertainty, not evidence that Indianapolis cannot protect its quarterback or run the ball.

The Colts’ report also lists Keenan Allen as limited with rest and a groin issue, and Ashton Dulin as a nonparticipant with a hamstring issue. Bortolini’s status is a distinct offensive-line question alongside those receiving concerns.