Jeff

Linkenbach

He’ll compete with Joe Reitz for the starting left guard job in training camp. Linkenbach got destroyed in 16 starts at left and right tackle last year, and the Colts should hope he doesn’t get back into the lineup this season.

We’ll update you as we learn more, but losing Castonzo for any length of time would be a decent-sized blow to the Colts. Backup G/T Ben Ijalana left the game due to a knee injury, forcing first-year practice squad call-up Mike Tepper to play RT with Jeff Linkenbach kicking over to the blindside. With RG Ryan Diem (ankle) also out, the Colts’ line is a hot mess.

Linkenbach is capable of playing both guard and tackle, but has consistently struggled when inserted into the starting lineup. The Colts have to be hoping he doesn’t approach the 12 starts he’s averaged the past two seasons in 2013.

Linkenbach, 26 in July, made eight starts in 2012, four at left guard and four at right tackle. After he struggled mightily as both a pass and run blocker, it was surprising the Colts gave Linkenbach a restricted tender at all. The Colts will bring back 6-foot-6, 311-pound Linkenbach as a swing backup.

Vaughn and Linkenbach combined to start 19 games for the Colts last season, but if Indianapolis is to take the next step, then both of them will be limited to backup roles in 2013. The Colts will also tender offers to exclusive rights free agents CB Josh Gordy, NT Martin Tevaseu, and OG Joe Reitz.

Linkenbach has made four starts this season, including Sunday at right guard. Linkenbach has played 321 total snaps in 2013. It’s possible he’ll be sent to injured reserve.

A career reserve going on 29, Linkenbach saw limited snaps between the Chargers and Dolphins last season. He’ll be a camp body in Jacksonville, one with poor odds of cracking the 53-man roster, at least out of camp.

It’s a decent pickup for a team that has lost Branden Albert, Jon Asamoah, and Geoff Schwartz since the start of free agency. Linkenbach isn’t overly effective, but can play both guard and tackle and has made 33 starts for the Colts over the last four years. He turns 27 in June.

Miami will host a number of veteran free-agent guards on Wednesday, including Linkenbach and Jeff Baca. Household names, we know. Linkenbach, 28 in June, has started 36 games for the Colts and Chiefs the past five seasons.

Linkenbach can play both guard spots and right tackle in a pinch. He has 36 career starts under his belt with most of those coming with the Colts from 2010-2013. Even with Miami needing guard help, Linkenbach is unlikely to start.