Richardson will start but Colts could miss 3 linemen

INDIANAPOLIS – Anthony Richardson is out of the concussion protocol and will start Sunday’s home game against the Rams but protecting him is going to remain a major concern.

The Colts will be without two offensive linemen Sunday, with left tackle Bernhard Raimann entering the concussion protocol after experiencing symptoms following Thursday’s practice and center Ryan Kelly moving backward in the protocol and missing Friday’s practice.

Right tackle Braden Smith missed Friday’s practice with a hand injury, but he is not on the game status report. Left guard Quenton Nelson is questionable with a toe issue, but he was able to return to practice in full Friday.

Fourth-round BYU rookie Blake Freeland will make his first career start at left tackle. Wesley French will make his second straight start at center in place of Kelly. If Nelson were to not be able to go, Arlington Hambright would fill in at left guard.

All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner missed the full week of practice with a groin injury, and he is questionable to play. Defensive tackle Grover Stewart missed Friday’s practice with a foot injury, but he is not listed on the game status report.

Third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger is questionable after suffering a shoulder injury in Thursday’s practice.

The make-shift line will have its hands full against the Rams and Aaron Donald, a three-time defensive player of the year who moves all over the defensive line to exploit mismatches. The job will be to better protect Richardson, who finished each of his first two starts with injury questions.