INDIANAPOLIS —The Indianapolis Colts this week welcomed center Ryan Kelly back to the practice field with open arms, but his 2017 season debut is still at least a week away.
Head coach Chuck Pagano on Friday listed Kelly (foot) among six players who have been ruled out of Sunday night's game against the Seahawks in Seattle.
Also not playing against the Seahawks: quarterback Andrew Luck (right shoulder), running back Marlon Mack (shoulder), wide receiver Chester Rogers (hamstring), inside linebacker Anthony Walker (hamstring) and cornerback Quincy Wilson (knee).
Kelly practiced this week for the first time since Aug. 10, when he suffered a foot injury during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions and had to undergo surgery.
The second-year Alabama product — the Colts' first-round (18th overall) pick in last year's NFL Draft — said earlier in the week he was looking forward to getting back into game-ready shape, although he acknowledged it might take a few days to get going.
"I mean, the last time that I actually really got down in a stance like that and hit somebody was against Detroit, so it's been seven, eight weeks or so. But I think it's kind of like riding a bicycle, so once you're a couple practices in or so you start getting used to it," Kelly said. "But I think just conditioning-wise and getting back into football shape, it's amazing how fast you can get out of it. So that will certainly come with time. But (I'm) working every day just to stay in shape and get stronger, so looking forward to it."
Rookie Deyshawn Bond, who went undrafted this year out of Cincinnati, is expected to make his fourth start of the season at center on Sunday in place of Kelly.
"He's played really well — a real strong guy," Kelly said of Bond. "It's awesome we got him out of (college) free agency, and to see how hard he's worked every single day to come in and prepare, and he's been a real pro. Every day he's gotten better, and it's awesome to see."
Sunday's game represents the second straight week in which the Colts will be without both Mack and Wilson, and the third straight game missed for Walker — all three of whom are rookies. Kelly, Luck and Rogers have yet to play in a game this season.
One bit of good news for the Colts on Sunday, however, is that top cornerback Vontae Davis is expected to make his 2017 debut. Davis, who suffered a groin injury during the third preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been a full participant at practice all week.
