The Indianapolis Colts are hopeful that center Ryan Kelly can return to practice later this week after missing the majority of training camp due to an elbow injury.
Kelly initially suffered the elbow injury just a few days into training camp when he hyperextended his elbow on a run play. At the time, it was considered that the Pro Bowler would miss a few weeks.
Head coach Frank Reich told the media Monday that there is hope the center can return to practice later this week.
“Yeah, he’s doing well. Hopefully get him out to practice later this week,” Reich said. “I don’t think it will be [Tuesday] or the next day maybe, but hopefully later this week. We’re optimistic we can get him back out there.”
The Colts have been leaning on their depth across the offensive line for the majority of training camp and the preseason. Kelly has missed most of it so the Colts have leaned on second-year Danny Pinter and veteran Joey Hunt.
However, Pinter has been on and off the field having dealt with illness and a foot injury. The Colts have also been down starting left tackle Eric Fisher, who opened the camp on the PUP list, and starting left guard Quenton Nelson, who had foot surgery at the beginning of training camp.
Getting Kelly back would be a huge boost to the offensive line and should provide more stability for the young quarterbacks under center with Carson Wentz out.
