Is Indianapolis Colts under-the-radar training camp battle taking shape?

USA Today

6 days ago

Is this under-the-radar training camp competition starting to take shape for the Indianapolis Colts?
An under-the-radar training camp competition for the Indianapolis Colts is at center.
While the presumed starter all offseason has been Tanor Bortolini, he is competing for that role with veteran Danny Pinter.
Through roughly two weeks of training camp practices, the two have been rotating days with the first team offense. However, as Nate Atkins of the Indy Star noted in his camp takeaways article following the Colts' joint practice with the Ravens, Bortolini was with the ones for the second consecutive day.
Now, maybe there's nothing to this. Lineups ebb and flow over the course of training camp. Or on the other end of that, perhaps Bortolini is seizing control of the starting job.
As a rookie, Bortolini held his own last season, which included making eight appearances and five starts. According to PFF's metrics, Bortolini ranked 15th in pass-blocking efficiency metric and was 22nd out of 40 centers in run-blocking grade.
"I saw a young player that got better each time he went out there," offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. said earlier this offseason. "The game wasn't too big for him. Athletically, he has a ton to offer in terms of what he's able to do on the move, in terms of how he's able to mirror people in pass protection."
Pinter is entering his sixth NFL season. In 2024, he allowed no sacks and three pressures, and he was particularly good as a run-blocker by PFF's metrics.
At the center position, a lot is required pre-snap, with that player in charge of calling out protections and making adjustments. Within Shane Steichen's offense, a lot falls on the center's plate in the run game as well, with what is asked of that player from a blocking perspective.