Is a change coming at right guard for the Indianapolis Colts in their Week 13 matchup with the New England Patriots?
Of note, the team announced on Saturday that they have elevated Mark Glowinski from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
Starting at right guard since Will Fries was placed on injured reserve has been rookie Dalton Tucker. In recent weeks, Tucker has taken his lumps, allowing 13 pressures and two sacks in just the last three games.
Out of 72 eligible guards during that span, Tucker ranks 72nd in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric and 60th in run-blocking grade.
When Shane Steichen was asked earlier in the week if a change was coming, he replied with, “we’ll see,” adding that they are looking into some things.
If the Colts are looking to make a move, Glowinski would be an obvious choice. Glowinski is an experienced right guard, having appeared in 124 career games, which includes 96 starts. Nearly half of his career games played have come with Indianapolis, spending time with the Colts from 2017-2021.
Obviously, Glowinski hasn’t been a part of Steichen’s offense, but he does have previous working with offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. from when both were with the Giants in 2022.
Glowinski’s most recent playing time came last season with those Giants, playing 520 offensive snaps during the 2023 season, allowing six sacks and 17 pressures, although he graded out decently well as a run-blocker, according to PFF’s metrics.
Another option at right guard could be Atonio Mafi, who the Colts signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. Danny Pinter will be at center with Tanor Bortolini out.
Regardless of who gets the start there, the Colts need better play from the offensive line if they are going to find consistency on offense. The run game has struggled and Anthony Richardson was under regular pressure this past Sunday.
