Nine Linemen Make Cut for Offensive Unit of Indianapolis Colts

As the Indianapolis Colts finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the regular season, one of the most notable decisions came on the offensive line: the team opted to keep nine linemen, a move that reflects both the unit’s importance to the offense and the depth of talent the Colts have cultivated at the position. In the NFL, most teams carry seven or eight offensive linemen, but the Colts’ choice to add an extra player underscores their commitment to protecting quarterback Gardner Minshew (and future starter Anthony Richardson, once healthy) and creating running lanes for Jonathan Taylor. The nine linemen who made the cut blend veteran experience with young potential, ensuring the Colts have both stability and flexibility to handle injuries, fatigue, or schematic changes throughout the long season. From Pro Bowl-caliber starters to versatile backups who can play multiple positions, each member of the group fills a specific role—something head coach Shane Steichen has emphasized as critical to the offense’s success. Nine Linemen Make Cut for Offensive Unit of Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a roster move; it’s a strategic choice that prioritizes the foundation of a competitive offense.

The Colts’ offensive line group is anchored by three established starters who bring consistency and leadership to the unit. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann, a second-year player who emerged as a standout last season, returns to protect Minshew’s blindside—a role he’s excelled in, allowing just three sacks in 16 starts. Raimann’s combination of size (6’7”), athleticism, and football IQ makes him one of the top young tackles in the AFC, and his presence was a key reason the Colts felt confident keeping more linemen. At left guard, Quenton Nelson—an eight-year veteran and five-time Pro Bowler—remains the heart of the line, using his strength and technique to dominate interior defenders and open holes for Taylor. Nelson’s ability to communicate with teammates and adjust to defensive schemes on the fly has made him a locker room leader, and his durability (he’s missed just two games in his career) adds reliability. Center Ryan Kelly, another Pro Bowl selection, rounds out the starting interior, providing stability in pass protection and precision in run blocking. These three starters form the core of the line, but the Colts’ depth beyond them is what makes the nine-man group so valuable. Nine Linemen Make Cut for Offensive Unit of Indianapolis Colts is built around this experienced core, which sets the standard for the younger players in the group.

Complementing the starters are six backup linemen who bring versatility and depth—critical assets for a team that wants to avoid the offensive line struggles that derailed past seasons. Right tackle Braden Smith, a veteran who started 15 games last season, can also shift to left tackle if Raimann needs rest or gets injured, while right guard Chris Reed has experience playing both guard spots and center, giving the Colts flexibility in the interior. The group also includes two rookies: fourth-round pick Blake Freeland, a tackle from BYU who impressed coaches with his footwork and work ethic during training camp, and undrafted free agent Wesley French, a guard who earned a spot with his physical play in preseason games. Even veteran backup Danny Pinter, who spent most of last season on the practice squad, made the cut after showing he could contribute in short-yardage situations and special teams. These backups aren’t just “fill-ins”—they’re players the Colts trust to step in and perform at a high level if a starter goes down. Nine Linemen Make Cut for Offensive Unit of Indianapolis Colts relies on this versatile depth, which ensures the offense doesn’t skip a beat when changes are needed.

A key factor in the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to keep nine offensive linemen is their focus on durability and injury prevention—a lesson learned from past seasons where thin depth at the position derailed their playoff hopes. In 2022, the Colts lost three offensive linemen to season-ending injuries, forcing them to rely on practice-squad players who weren’t ready for regular-season action. The result was a drop-off in pass protection (Minshew was sacked 12 more times in the second half of the season) and run production (Taylor’s yards per carry fell from 4.6 to 3.8). This year, the Colts wanted to avoid that scenario, so they prioritized linemen who could play multiple positions and handle the physical toll of the NFL. For example, Chris Reed’s ability to play guard and center means the Colts don’t need a dedicated backup center, while Braden Smith’s flexibility at tackle eliminates the need for a third pure tackle. By keeping nine linemen, the Colts can rotate players in and out during games to prevent fatigue—something that reduces the risk of injuries and keeps the line fresh in the fourth quarter. Nine Linemen Make Cut for Offensive Unit of Indianapolis Colts is a proactive move to protect the offense from the unpredictability of NFL injuries.

The Indianapolis Colts’ nine-man offensive line also aligns with head coach Shane Steichen’s offensive scheme, which requires linemen to be adaptable and athletic. Steichen’s offense uses a mix of zone blocking (for Taylor’s outside runs) and power blocking (for short-yardage situations), and it often shifts linemen into different positions mid-play to confuse defenses. This scheme demands linemen who can learn multiple roles, and the nine players who made the cut all showed they could handle that complexity during training camp. For instance, Blake Freeland spent time practicing at both tackle spots and even lined up as a tight end in short-yardage drills, while Wesley French worked on both guard positions and special teams blocking. Steichen has repeatedly said that “versatility wins games” in the NFL, and the offensive line group embodies that philosophy. By having linemen who can adapt to different roles, the Colts can keep defenses guessing and create mismatches that benefit Taylor and Minshew. Nine Linemen Make Cut for Offensive Unit of Indianapolis Colts is a reflection of the team’s commitment to executing Steichen’s scheme at the highest level.

Looking ahead, the Indianapolis Colts’ nine-man offensive line could be a difference-maker in their quest for a playoff spot, as it provides the stability and depth needed to compete in the tough AFC South. If the line can keep Minshew upright and open lanes for Taylor, the Colts’ offense has the potential to be one of the most balanced in the league—something that would make them a threat to teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans. Beyond this season, the group also lays the groundwork for the future: young players like Freeland and French can learn from veterans like Nelson and Kelly, developing into future starters as the Colts continue to build their roster. For a team that’s been rebuilding around its offense, the offensive line is the foundation—and keeping nine talented linemen ensures that foundation is strong. Whether it’s handling injuries, executing Steichen’s scheme, or protecting the quarterback, the nine linemen who made the cut are ready to contribute. Nine Linemen Make Cut for Offensive Unit of Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a roster decision for 2024—it’s an investment in the team’s long-term success as a contender.