Danny Pinter, an offensive lineman with the Indianapolis Colts, out for the rest of the season with a broken ankle

Indianapolis, Indiana – The fourth season of Danny Pinter ended virtually before it had started.

With a broken left ankle, the Indianapolis Colts have placed the Ball State product on their season-ending injured reserve list. In Thursday’s 27-13 preseason victory at Philadelphia, the injury occurred on the first play of the third quarter when a player rolled up on his ankle from behind.

Pinter was chosen in the fifth round of the 2020 draft and has since played in 46 games with seven starts. When Ryan Kelly was injured in 2021, he started three games at center; the Colts went 3-0 with him in the lineup. He also started the first three games at right guard last season before being replaced.

Pinter, Kelly’s backup this season, filled in for him against the Eagles while Kelly was recovering from a foot ailment.

“Broke his ankle, which is very unfortunate,’’ coach Shane Steichen said Saturday afternoon. “Danny is a really good player for us. To lose a guy like him is very unfortunate for us.

“Hope he has a speedy recovery.’’

The offensive line will suffer a great deal from losing Pinter. He added flexibility, allowing him to play any interior position.

Wesley French and Dakoda Shepley could fill the reserve center position.

“Working through all of that right now,’’ Steichen said. “There are a couple of guys we’re looking at.’’

Rosters must be reduced to 53 players by Friday at 4 p.m.

All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, although Steichen noted, “He’s doing really good . . . and expect him back soon.’’

Linebacker E.J. Speed, who had concussion symptoms after the Eagles game, joined Leonard in the concussion protocol.

JuJu Brents, a cornerback, missed the Philadelphia game due to a hamstring injury he sustained during a joint workout with the Eagles.

Jonathan Taylor is still listed as being “physically unable to perform.”

“Yep, right now he is,’’ Steichen said.

The dissatisfied running back of the Colts is permitted by the team to look for a trade partner up until Tuesday. Taylor’s passing a physical examination would be one part of a deal.

Mike Chappell may be followed on Twitter at @mchappell51.