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Colts trade for depth at center after issues with snaps all preseason
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- Colts trade for depth at center after issues with snaps all preseason
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts have already addressed the team's glaring need for an experienced backup center behind Tanor Bortolini .
Indianapolis has traded a 2027 sixth-rounder to Buffalo to get Sedrick Van Pran-Granger and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
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Van Pran-Granger, a 2024 fifth-round pick out of Georgia, has spent the last two seasons as Buffalo's backup center, making one start in each of the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver D.J. Montgomery (3) catches a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Easton Stick (4) delivers a pass Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) runs with the ball against Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney II (28) during the first half Aug 29, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Raylen Sharpe (8) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Coleman Owen (9) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Blake Grupe (10) kicks the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Sahmir Hagans (11) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (12) catches the ball Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, during Colts Camp practice at Gand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenneth Harris (29) high points a ball during a drill Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Austin Brown (9) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cash Jones (32) stiff arms Indianapolis Colts safety Daniel Scott (32) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts safety Juanyeh Thomas (33) runs through a drop back drill Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ben Nikkel (34) rushes up the field Wednesday, May 27, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) carries the ball against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Rodgers (36) during a joint training camp workout at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Aug. 11.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts running back Ulysses Bentley IV (37) runs through a drill Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Goodson (25) runs past Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rob Carter Jr. (39) for a touchdown during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts running back Anderson Castle (42) catches a pass Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tahj Chambers (44) runs drills on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Former Iowa State player Tyler Moore runs a drill during NFL football Pro Day at Bergstrom Football Complex on March 24, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune)
Jul 30, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) and tight end JJ Galbreath (45) participate in training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts running back Ulysses Bentley IV (37) and Indianapolis Colts linebacker West Weeks (47) attend Colts Camp Salute to Service day at Grand Park on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Devin Veresuk (48) participate in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Pharaoh Brown (49) walks up the field Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) passes the ball as Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Mitchell Melton (17) pressures in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 25: Josh Kreutz #64 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in action against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts center Geno VanDeMark (63) and Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (67) walks up the field Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Cam Ball (64) practices during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts center Jimmy Morrissey (65) walks the field during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
The team watches as Indianapolis Colts guard Josh Sills (66) kicks at the end of practice during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts tackle Trey Wedig (69) sits on the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Jul 26, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Durell Nchami (53) and linebacker Drew Sanders (41) during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
(Isaiah J. Downing)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Nolan Rucci (76) walks up the field Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Aug 11, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka (61) takes the field for a preseason game against New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
(Browns Wire)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Eli Pancol (83) catches a ball during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (92) during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (94) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver D.J. Montgomery (3) catches a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver D.J. Montgomery (3) catches a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Easton Stick (4) delivers a pass Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) runs with the ball against Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney II (28) during the first half Aug 29, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Raylen Sharpe (8) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Coleman Owen (9) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Blake Grupe (10) kicks the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Sahmir Hagans (11) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (12) catches the ball Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, during Colts Camp practice at Gand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenneth Harris (29) high points a ball during a drill Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Austin Brown (9) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cash Jones (32) stiff arms Indianapolis Colts safety Daniel Scott (32) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts safety Juanyeh Thomas (33) runs through a drop back drill Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ben Nikkel (34) rushes up the field Wednesday, May 27, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) carries the ball against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Rodgers (36) during a joint training camp workout at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Aug. 11.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts running back Ulysses Bentley IV (37) runs through a drill Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Goodson (25) runs past Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rob Carter Jr. (39) for a touchdown during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts running back Anderson Castle (42) catches a pass Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tahj Chambers (44) runs drills on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Former Iowa State player Tyler Moore runs a drill during NFL football Pro Day at Bergstrom Football Complex on March 24, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.
(Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune)
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Jul 30, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) and tight end JJ Galbreath (45) participate in training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts running back Ulysses Bentley IV (37) and Indianapolis Colts linebacker West Weeks (47) attend Colts Camp Salute to Service day at Grand Park on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
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Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Devin Veresuk (48) participate in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Pharaoh Brown (49) walks up the field Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) passes the ball as Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Mitchell Melton (17) pressures in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 25: Josh Kreutz #64 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in action against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts center Geno VanDeMark (63) and Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (67) walks up the field Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Cam Ball (64) practices during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts center Jimmy Morrissey (65) walks the field during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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The team watches as Indianapolis Colts guard Josh Sills (66) kicks at the end of practice during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts tackle Trey Wedig (69) sits on the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Jul 26, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Durell Nchami (53) and linebacker Drew Sanders (41) during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
(Isaiah J. Downing)
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Nolan Rucci (76) walks up the field Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Aug 11, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka (61) takes the field for a preseason game against New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
(Browns Wire)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Eli Pancol (83) catches a ball during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (92) during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (94) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis had to do something to address the backup center position. The Colts are set with a rising young star, Tanor Bortolini , in the middle, but Indianapolis lost former backup Danny Pinter to a starting opportunity in Baltimore this offseason.
The Colts spent training camp trying to develop a new backup. Indianapolis brought back veteran Jimmy Morrissey and signed a pair of undrafted free agents, Geno VanDeMark and Josh Kreutz, but it became clear early in training camp that Indianapolis believed its best option was training experienced guard Dalton Tucker to become a center.
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Tucker has been a spot starter at guard for the Colts in the past.
But the third-year professional could not master the shotgun snap, a critical part of the job. Tucker started Saturday's preseason finale and struggled to snap the ball cleanly to quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard , highlighting the team's need at the position.
Van Pran-Granger fills the hole.
The 24-year-old center has played 217 NFL snaps over his first two seasons in Buffalo, but the Bills signed veteran Lloyd Cushenberry to back up Connor McGovern in the offseason, a move that made Van Pran-Granger available.
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By adding Van Pran-Granger, the Colts might keep an extra offensive lineman; Indianapolis has traditionally kept nine or 10 offensive linemen on the 53-man roster in Chris Ballard's tenure as general manager. The Colts could also make more moves; Indianapolis has a need for depth at cornerback.
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter .
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts trade for depth at center after issues with snaps all preseason
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