The Los Angeles Rams will open the 2017 NFL season on September 10 — a home game against the Indianapolis Colts.
And while you always want to play a team at their best and at full health, the Colts will not be 100% on offense. Far from it.
Earlier this week Colts owner Jim Irsay couldn’t definitively say that their starting QB, Andrew Luck (shoulder), would be available for the opener. If he’s unable to go, it appears Scott Tolzien will serve as the team’s starter.
The Colts received more bad news on Thursday morning. Starting center Ryan Kelly, who was drafted No 18 overall in 2016 and started all 16 games for the Colts last year, will be unable to suit up in Week 1, as he’ll have to undergo surgery on his foot.
Ryan Kelly will undergo foot surgery and will miss the start of the season, according to Pagano.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) August 17, 2017
It’s worth noting that Rams’ backup center Austin Blythe served as the Colts’ backup in 2016. Blythe was also a 2016 pick for the Colts (7th round), who played in eight games for them in his rookie year. It appears, at least for now, the backfill at center is 2017 undrafted free agent Deyshawn Bond. You can expect the Colts to be active in finding a more viable option in free agency.
It remains to be seen whether or not Luck suits up in just over three weeks time, but even if he does, he’ll still be getting acquainted to a new center.
It’s shaping up to be a very appetizing matchup for the Rams’ defense in Week 1.