The Indianapolis Colts activated four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly from injured reserve on Wednesday, starting his 21-day practice window.
Kelly was placed on IR with a knee injury on Nov. 6. The team also opened the practice window for rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who had been on IR with a fibula injury.
It is expected that Kelly will play on Sunday when the Colts (6-7) return from their bye week to face the Denver Broncos (8-5). Kelly last played in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings.
However, starting right tackle Braden Smith (personal) will not practice on Wednesday after being inactive for Week 13, and he is unlikely to play against the Broncos. Head coach Shane Steichen said he is unsure if Smith, 28, will play again this season.
Kelly, 31, has started every game in his nine-year career, totaling 121 regular season and postseason games, all with the Colts. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019-2021 and 2023 and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020.
Carlies, 23, has recorded 21 tackles and one sack in seven games (three starts) since being selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Steichen also mentioned that wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) will practice on Wednesday after missing the Week 13 win against New England. Offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini (concussion) is also set to practice.
