INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts could have their starting center back in the lineup just in time for the postseason.
Ryan Kelly on Wednesday participated in practice for the first time since suffering a neck injury Week 16 against the New York Giants, which kept him out of last Sunday's playoff-clinching victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Kelly, a full participant on Wednesday, also told reporters on Wednesday that he's optimistic he'll be able to play in Saturday's Wild Card round game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
"I feel good," Kelly said.
A Pro Bowl alternate, Kelly played in and started 12 games while anchoring a Colts offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks (18) in the NFL in the 2018 regular season.
The Colts' offensive line on Saturday could be looking at having its preferred five players together in the starting lineup for the first time since the team's Week 11 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
According to The Indianapolis Star’s Nat Newell, with Anthony Castonzo at left tackle, Quenton Nelson at left guard, Kelly at center, Mark Glowinski at right guard and Braden Smith at right tackle, the Colts:
• See a 71-percent increase in rushing yards, and an increase of almost 1.5 yards per carry.
• Have allowed zero sacks to other lineups that are averaging 1.6 sacks allowed per game.
• Pave the way for Andrew Luck to have a better completion percentage, more passing touchdowns and a better quarterback rating per game.
Geathers back
Another key member of the Colts, this time on defense, also was back on the practice field on Wednesday.
Starting strong safety Clayton Geathers, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury, practiced today for the first time since Dec. 13. Geathers was also a full participant on Wednesday.
The Colts will have one more full practice tomorrow and then a walkthrough on Friday before traveling to Houston.
Injury report
Here is Wednesday's full practice report:
» DNP: TE Eric Ebron (not injury related/rest); WR Ryan Grant (toe); WR T.Y. Hilton (ankle); DT/DE Tyquan Lewis (knee)
» Limited: WR Daurice Fountain (ankle); S Malik Hooker (hip); WR Dontrelle Inman (shoulder/finger); WR Zach Pascal (knee); DE Jabaal Sheard (knee)
» Full: S Clayton Geathers (knee); C Ryan Kelly (neck); LB Anthony Walker (shoulder); RB Jordan Wilkins (knee/ankle)
