One interesting storyline from the Indianapolis Colts’ offseason training program was how much time starting center Ryan Kelly spent at right guard while Danny Pinter worked at center.
While on the surface it may appear the Colts were trying something new, head coach Frank Reich quelled any notion that Kelly would be moving from his spot as the starting center.
“No, there is really no plan for that at this point. I mean it’s just more cross-training everybody. You’ve got to cross-train everybody,” Reich told reporters Thursday.
Kelly has been the starting center since he was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft by the previous regime under Ryan Grigson. Even though Pinter showed a lot of promise in that role when Kelly missed time late in the 2021 season, there are no plans to move the latter from his role.
Because the Colts don’t currently have a backup center to work behind Kelly, they need to make sure Pinter is getting reps at the spot just in case.
“One thing you need to learn in this business is you have to have guys that can play center. So a lot of that is just getting other guys on the o-line work at center and put Ryan (Kelly) at that next default position,” Reich said.
Second-year offensive coordinator Marcus Brady echoed similar thoughts on the slight shuffle during OTAs and minicamp.
“Well, he’s still our No. 2 center behind Ryan (Kelly) so we have to make sure he’s getting the reps, and we want him getting the reps with Q (Quenton Nelson) next to him with our starting guys. So, it’s a chance for that opportunity there,” Brady said Wednesday.
Kelly will be going into his eighth season in the NFL as he continues to be the anchor of the offensive line.
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