Colts’ Offensive Line Focuses on Protection After Richardson’s Early Exit vs. Ravens

WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Colts’ preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens was supposed to be a controlled, low-stakes first step toward the regular season. But just six snaps into the game, quarterback Anthony Richardson was walking toward the sideline with a dislocated finger after taking a crushing hit — ending his night far earlier than anyone hoped.

The play itself was the kind of moment that resonates in the meeting room the next day. Protection broke down, and the team’s most important player paid the price. While the injury wasn’t season-ending, it served as a wake-up call for the offensive line, a group that prides itself on keeping the quarterback upright.

“You never want to see your quarterback get hit or go down,” rookie center Tanor Bortolini said. “For him to not go back in the game made me real nervous. Obviously, as an offensive lineman you take a lot of pride in protecting that guy. For him to not be protected on that play hurts us. I’m just happy that he’s okay and happy that he got out.”

The Colts’ protection plan is more than just blocking the man in front of you — it’s about communication, recognition of blitz looks, and understanding how defensive fronts shift mid-snap. Against the Ravens, Richardson didn’t have enough time to set and release before the pocket collapsed.

Veteran guard Quenton Nelson says there are lessons to take away. “Guys are doing much better learning from their mistakes,” Nelson said, noting that the group has been quick to apply corrections in practice.

Now, with the Green Bay Packers coming to town for joint practices ahead of Saturday’s preseason matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts have a quick turnaround to make those fixes stick. For Richardson and the offense, keeping him upright isn’t just about health — it’s the only way to keep the playbook fully open and the chains moving.