Will Fries Departure Creates Void for Indianapolis Colts O-Line

In the NFL, the offensive line is the unsung backbone of a successful offense—protecting the quarterback, opening running lanes, and setting the rhythm for every play—and for the Indianapolis Colts, the departure of Will Fries has left a notable void in this critical unit. Fries, a versatile offensive lineman who spent four seasons with the Colts, was more than just a backup; he was a reliable swing player capable of stepping in at both guard and center, providing much-needed depth and consistency when starters were injured or rested. Will Fries Departure Creates Void for Indianapolis Colts O-Line isn’t just about losing a single player—it’s about losing a rotational anchor who kept the offensive line functional through the rigors of a 17-game season. After Fries signed a free-agent deal with the Detroit Lions this offseason, the Colts were left scrambling to fill the gap, as his ability to play multiple positions made him irreplaceable in their game-day lineup. For a team that prides itself on a strong rushing attack and protecting its young quarterback, Fries’ departure has become one of the most pressing roster concerns heading into training camp.

Will Fries Departure Creates Void for Indianapolis Colts O-Line is amplified by Fries’ unique versatility, a trait that made him a favorite of the Colts’ coaching staff. Unlike specialized linemen who only play one position, Fries could seamlessly shift between left guard, right guard, and center—a skill that allowed the Colts to adjust their lineup on the fly without sacrificing performance. Last season, when starting center Ryan Kelly missed three games with a knee injury, Fries stepped in and allowed just one sack in 210 snaps, keeping the offensive line’s chemistry intact and helping the Colts win two of those three games. Later in the season, when right guard Braden Smith was limited by an ankle injury, Fries rotated in for 10-15 snaps per game, providing fresh legs and preventing opposing defenses from exploiting Smith’s fatigue. PFF recognized Fries’ value, giving him a 72.3 overall grade last season—well above the league average for backup offensive linemen. This versatility is rare in the NFL, and replacing it will require either finding another multi-position lineman or carrying extra specialized players, which could strain the Colts’ roster depth elsewhere.

Will Fries Departure Creates Void for Indianapolis Colts O-Line also highlights the Colts’ sudden lack of depth at guard and center, positions that were previously considered strengths. Before Fries’ departure, the Colts had a clear pecking order: Kelly at center, Quenton Nelson at left guard, and Smith at right guard, with Fries as the top backup for all three spots. Now, the backup roles are uncertain: the only other linemen on the roster with NFL experience at guard or center are a second-year undrafted free agent (who played just 32 snaps last season) and a sixth-round draft pick from this year (who has yet to take an NFL snap). This lack of experience is a red flag, as offensive line depth is tested regularly—last season, 23 of the 32 NFL teams had at least one starting offensive lineman miss three or more games due to injury. If the Colts lose a starter like Nelson or Smith this season, they’ll be forced to rely on unproven players, which could lead to more sacks, fewer rushing yards, and a less efficient offense overall. The Colts’ coaching staff has acknowledged this concern, with offensive line coach Chris Strausser noting that “depth is something we’re actively addressing” in offseason workouts.

Will Fries Departure Creates Void for Indianapolis Colts O-Line has forced the Indianapolis Colts to explore multiple solutions this offseason, from drafting replacements to signing veteran free agents. The Indianapolis Colts used their sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on a center-guard prospect from a small college, hoping his athleticism and football IQ will allow him to develop into a reliable backup. They also brought in two veteran linemen for tryouts during minicamp, including a former Pro Bowl guard who was released by the Green Bay Packers. While neither veteran has signed a contract yet, the Colts’ interest signals their urgency to fill Fries’ role. Additionally, the Indianapolis Colts have shifted some of their younger linemen to new positions in practice: a third-year tackle has been working at guard, and a rookie tackle is taking reps at center, in an effort to create more versatile backups. These moves are experimental, but they reflect the Colts’ commitment to rebuilding their offensive line depth—even if it means taking short-term risks to find long-term solutions.

Will Fries Departure Creates Void for Indianapolis Colts O-Line also impacts the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive strategy, as the loss of a versatile backup limits their ability to adjust to in-game injuries or opponent schematics. The Indianapolis Colts run a zone-blocking scheme that requires linemen to move in sync, and Fries’ familiarity with the system allowed him to step in without disrupting this rhythm. Without him, if a starter gets injured mid-game, the replacement lineman will likely need more time to adjust to the scheme, leading to missed assignments and potential sacks. This could force the Colts to simplify their playcalling—using more basic running plays and fewer complex passing concepts—to reduce the burden on the new lineman. For example, if the Colts lose their starting center, they might rely more on power running plays up the middle (which require less lateral movement from the center) instead of zone runs that demand precise blocking angles. The Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen, has already mentioned that the team will “tailor some plays to our linemen’s strengths” this season, a subtle nod to the limitations created by Fries’ departure.

Will Fries Departure Creates Void for Indianapolis Colts O-Line is a reminder of how critical rotational players are to an NFL team’s success—and how the Colts are working to turn this challenge into an opportunity. The Indianapolis Colts have always prioritized building a strong offensive line, and while Fries’ departure is a setback, it has also pushed the team to evaluate younger players and invest in the future. For example, the sixth-round draft pick they selected to replace Fries has shown promise in minicamp, impressing coaches with his ability to learn quickly and his physicality in one-on-one drills. The Colts have also used Fries’ departure as a teaching moment, emphasizing to their young linemen the importance of versatility and preparation. As training camp approaches, the Colts will continue to test different lineup combinations, hoping to find a new group of backups who can provide the same reliability Fries once did. In the end, Will Fries Departure Creates Void for Indianapolis Colts O-Line isn’t just a story about loss—it’s a story about adaptation, as the Colts work to rebuild their offensive line depth and ensure their offense remains one of the most consistent in the NFL.