Joe

Reitz

Backup center Mike Pollack has come on to replace Reitz, who is questionable to return.

McGlynn and RT Winston Justice are favorites of new GM Ryan Grigson, who imported them from Philly. With 2011 second-rounder Ben Ijalana still inexperienced and recovering from a knee injury, Joe Reitz has the edge at left guard. Samson Satele and Anthony Castonzo are locked in at center and left tackle respectively.

Reitz didn’t even travel with the team. Seth Olsen will step in and man the position in Reitz’s absence, while Jeff Linkenbach backs up. Andrew Luck’s protection is going to be shaky all season long.

That explains Reitz’s extended absence. Pagano expects both Reitz and ILB Pat Angerer (foot) to return against the Packers after the Week 4 bye. Seth Olsen, a major liability in pass protection, has been filling in for Reitz.

Reitz went down early in the first quarter and appeared dazed as he was carted off the field. Consider him doubtful to return. Jeff Linkenbach has come on at left guard.

A starter for all seven games so far, Reitz isn’t in danger of being placed on injured reserve, so there’s a good chance he’ll return within a few weeks. Veteran Jamey Richard was re-signed to add depth on the interior.

Reitz graded out negatively as both a run and pass blocker this regular season by Pro Football Focus. Of course, backup Jeff Linkenbach was even worse. It’s a concerning loss because Haloti Ngata often lines up over the opposing left guard. As it was all year, line play will be a weakness for Indy in the playoffs.

He may have to go through the NFL’s testing protocol. Reitz also left the Week 13 game with a head injury, appearing dazed while being carted off the field. Backup Jeff Linkenbach would be a liability if forced to start at Baltimore on Sunday.

Reitz started eight games at left guard last season, but was an adventure both as a run blocker and pass protector. Reitz will face competition in the form of FA signee Donald Thomas or a draft pick. Ideally for Indy, he’d lose. Jeff Linkenbach is another (bad) option. Thomas may supplant Mike McGlynn at right guard.

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.