O-line takes shape on Family Day at Colts Training Camp

WESTFIELD, Ind. — While much of the spotlight remains on the quarterback competition at Colts Training Camp, Day 3 shifted focus to the bond between those under center — and the linemen tasked with protecting them.

Fittingly, on Family Day in Westfield, it was the Colts’ offensive line putting in the kind of work that defines football brotherhood.

With Braden Smith resting during Thursday’s session, several second-year linemen stepped into bigger roles, including Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini. Both are using camp to grow into their roles — and lean on veteran leaders like Quenton Nelson in the process.

“When we're going through individual, I just look at Q,” Goncalves said. “I mean, obviously he's one of the best in the league. So, you know, just taking some experience from him obviously helps out every day.”

Discipline remains a key focus. The offensive line logged three false start penalties in team drills — something offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. has emphasized as an area that needs tightening as camp progresses.

Still, cohesion is building. For Bortolini, the approach stays the same regardless of who wins the quarterback job.

“I think those two do a great job at having the same cadence, same style of mechanics in the huddle, where you don't really notice a big trade-off in one's and the other's not,” Bortolini said. “And I think play style — they're both very similar in the aspects that they're mobile. They're able to make throws on the run, and I think that's something you can't let affect you.”

The Colts will need that unity up front as they prepare for their preseason opener against the Ravens — now just two weeks away.