Indianapolis is counting on a younger, less experienced offensive line this season. Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves step into starting roles at center and right guard, while rookie Jalen Travis serves as the swing tackle. Second-year Dalton Tucker and Luke Tenuta provide interior and edge depth, with Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith, and Danny Pinter anchoring the group. Ballard lauds Travis’s rapid development and Tenuta’s versatility as the unit forges cohesion to open the run game and buy time for the quarterback.

ESPN’s Solak highlighted Bortolini’s preseason film, and Ballard emphasized that the staff is pleased with Travis and Tucker. The Colts aim to balance youth with veteran steadiness to create sustainable run production and pocket time, accepting some tradeoffs in consistency as they grow together in camp and preseason work.

Three Colts starters—Kenny Moore II, Alec Pierce, and Bernhard Raimann—returned to practice as Indianapolis wrapped another training camp session, each nursing an earlier issue (knee, groin, and ankle respectively). Their returns come amid a summer that has seen several teammates hit IR or miss time, including Hunter Wohler, Blake Freeland, and Jacob Phillips. Braden Smith exited the latest preseason game with a groin concern, while JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones, Nick Cross, and Josh Downs have dealt with hamstring or hip issues. Timelines remain unclear for several others, keeping depth pieces in flux as camp continues.

For fantasy managers, Pierce’s quick return could stabilize the Colts’ passing game early in camp, Raimann’s health matters for pass protection and run blocking, and Moore’s presence bolsters a secondary that will be tested by a challenging schedule. The IR replacements—plus the uncertain statuses of Smith, Brents, and Downs—could open short-term targets and snap splits for younger players and veterans stepping into expanded roles as August progresses.

Colts Madden 26 ratings spotlight a veteran-friendly core with a mix of elite blockers and playmakers. Quenton Nelson leads the line at 92, followed by DeForest Buckner and Jonathan Taylor at 88, then Kenny Moore II at 88 and Charvarius Ward at 87, underscoring Indy’s top-tier thrust on both sides of the ball. Bernhard Raimann sits at 85 with Grover Stewart at 85, Braden Smith at 83, Cam Bynum at 82, and Michael Pittman Jr. at 82, forming a high-floor backbone for fantasy managers. Rookie upside is shown by Tyler Warren at 75, with DJ Giddens at 71 and JT Tuimoloau at 74, signaling future breakout potential behind a sturdy veteran nucleus. Luke Rhodes ranks third among long-snappers at 79, a reminder that special-teams efficiency can indirectly influence field position and scoring opportunities.

From a Fantasy lens, Nelson anchors the middle, Taylor remains a premier workhorse, Pittman holds as the primary target, and Raimann’s development could unlock big upgrade potential as he acclimates. Buckner’s presence continues to pressure opponents’ interior lines, aiding run defense and, by extension, the Colts’ overall fantasy upside. Ward and Moore II present strong corner support, while Rhodes’ special-teams consistency translates to favorable game flow. Rookie Warren and Giddens offer out-of-nowhere upside in deeper leagues, with Tuimoloau providing a longer-term edge as he matures into a more disruptive edge presence.

Aug. 14 marks Madden 26 launch, and Indy’s ratings reflect a balanced roster with clear fantasy resonance for 2024. DJ Giddens’ surprise team-high rookie ceiling and Warren’s tight-end potential pair with the veteran backbone, creating avenues for late-round relief and weekly upside beyond the obvious stars.

The Indianapolis Colts are evaluating their offensive tackle position as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft. Key players on the roster include Bernhard Raimann, Braden Smith, Matt Goncalves, and Blake Freeland. Smith has restructured his contract, reducing his salary significantly, which has opened up over $9 million in cap space for the team.

The team’s plan for Goncalves is critical; if he remains at tackle, the need for depth is less pressing, but should he shift to guard, the Colts will need to bolster their tackle options. Prospects in the draft include Will Campbell and Armand Membou, among others, and the Colts are expected to explore these options as they look for long-term solutions at the position.