The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that the team has re-signed former longtime starting veteran guard Mark Glowinski to the team’s practice squad and released cornerback Tre Flowers in a corresponding roster move:
Through 2018-21, Glowinski started in 55 games for the Colts and was a solid starter at right guard—particularly regarding his run blocking, helping to pave the way for star workhorse Jonathan Taylor and company in the ground game.
However, Glowinski signed with the New York Giants on a 3-year, $21 million deal, as a veteran free agent during the 2022 offseason. Glowinski started in 29 games for the Giants from 2022-23, but his play dipped with the Giants, and he was a veteran cap casualty this past March. He was coached by current Colts offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. (then an assistant offensive line coach) while with New York.
He had not signed with anyone prior to rejoining the Colts on Thursday.
Since losing breakout starting right guard Will Fries for the season due to a broken tibia, the Colts have yet to find a consistent answer at the position.
Undrafted rookie free agent Dalton Tucker initially flashed as his replacement, but really struggled this past weekend—especially in pass blocking.
Rookie interior lineman Tanor Bortolini, who was a 2024 4th round pick of the Colts, is currently filling in for veteran Ryan Kelly at starting center—who remains on injured reserve. Even when Kelly returns, Bortolini at 6’4”, 303 pounds, much like Danny Pinter (at 6’4”, 301 pounds) might be much more naturally suited as a center at the pro level.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Glowinski elevated from the practice squad for the Colts starting right guard spot much sooner rather than later. Honestly, this has shades of what the Colts have done with longtime veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer in the past.
It may take Glowinski a week or two to get his conditioning and familiarity with the Shane Steichen offensive playbook and scheming up to speed, but he could be a veteran replacement stopgap for the Colts at starting right guard during the rest of the 2024 campaign.
