Losing offensive lineman Ryan Kelly to an undisclosed injury during Thursday’s joint practice with the Detroit Lions was not what head coach Chuck Pagano and Indianapolis had in mind.
According to Mike Chappel, who covers the Colts for CBS 4, Pagano was on the opposite field at the moment of Kelly’s injury. While the former University of Alabama standout was able to finish the drill in an 11-on-11 session, the training staff immediately helped him when he fell.
Kelly would later be seen on crutches, and per the article – no word has surfaced on the extent of his injury. After winning the Rimington Trophy (college football’s top center) in 2015 at Alabama, Kelly was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He’s been solidified as the anchor on offense upon starting all 16 games a season ago, and it could put Indianapolis in jeopardy if he should miss a substantial amount of time. Before pursuing the National Football League, Kelly was a three-year starter (2013-15) for the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban.
Controlling the offense from center, he blocked for two 1,000-yard backs – including a performance of 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns from Derrick Henry in 2015. Kelly also assisted a trio of 3,000-yard passers, while protecting Jacob Coker (3,110) as he helped Alabama capture a national championship in 2015.
With Kelly out, rookie Deyshawn Bond took reps at center with the first team.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
