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Shane Steichen applauds Colts OL Dalton Tucker’s transition to center
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- Shane Steichen applauds Colts OL Dalton Tucker’s transition to center
Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Dalton Tucker is acclimating to life outside of his typical position, and head coach Shane Steichen likes what he's seen.
Tucker, a natural guard, has spent time working at center throughout the preseason and could be emerging as an option behind starter Tanor Bortolini .
"I thought he's done a nice job," Steichen said, via Colts.com . "Obviously, it's a new spot for him and a new role and there's a lot on the center's plate."
Steichen also applauded Tucker's physicality and said the 26-year-old has handled the mental side of the transition well.
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That said, this transition hasn't come without a learning curve for Tucker, who's had some ups and downs, specifically snapping the ball at times.
Tucker started at left guard and played all 50 offensive snaps in Saturday's 34-6 preseason loss to the Atlanta Falcons . Indianapolis entered the game shorthanded along the offensive line, with several players unavailable, forcing the Colts to lean on a six-man rotation.
The week prior, Tucker started at center.
The added center work could increase Tucker's value as Indianapolis works toward its initial 53-man roster.
Tucker originally signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He appeared in 14 games and made seven starts as a rookie, primarily at right guard. He stayed on the roster in 2025 and appeared in 16 games with two starts.
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With Bortolini entrenched as the starting center, Tucker's ability to cover multiple interior spots could give Indianapolis a flexible option behind its starting five.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Shane Steichen applauds Colts OL Dalton Tucker's transition to center
