Ryan

Diem

The contract will pay Diem $19 million over the first three years of the contract. Diem is a fine tackle, but it’s abnormal how much the Colts continue to pour into their offense. Peyton Manning owners should be happy with Tarik Glenn, Jeff Saturday, and Diem locked up through 2007.

Diem is still undergoing testing to determine the extent of his sprain. Mike Pollak figures to get the nod at right guard this week in a nightmare matchup with the Steelers.

With Diem and LT Anthony Castonzo out, the line is a concern against the Saints’ exotic blitz schemes. Look for Dallas Clark and the Colts running backs to be asked to help with pass protection. QB Kerry Collins, WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Peyton Manning, LB A.J. Edds, and DT Drake Nevis are also inactive.

This is probably confirmation that LT Anthony Castonzo (ankle) will be out, and with starting RT Ryan Diem (ankle) questionable after missing practice this week the Colts line is a mess. Quinn Ojinnaka is the likely replacement if Diem can’t go, while Tepper will be used as a swing tackle for depth purposes. Curtis Painter and Co. have been playing under these circumstances for weeks now.

Diem protected Peyton Manning at right tackle for a decade before the lost season of 2011. A fourth-round pick out of Northern Illinois in 2001, Diem started 150 of 158 games for the Colts. Diem never appeared in a Pro Bowl, though he played near that level for several years. The 32-year-old made 14 playoff starts in 11 seasons.

Diem will be an unrestricted free agent in March and turns 33 in July. “I’m going to take some time to think about everything and process it,” he said. “This isn’t the way anyone wants to go out, but I don’t think that really tarnishes the rest of my career.” Diem has started 150 games for the Colts since they selected him in the fourth round of the 2001 draft.

Castonzo expects to return Sunday against the Falcons after missing three games. Jeff Linkenbach will swing back to right tackle, and RG Ryan Diem is also expected to play for the first time in a month. It’s a boost for Curtis Painter and the passing game.

Diem is questionable to return. The Colts are running a hurry-up offense that is helping protect Kerry Collins and their shaky offensive line. Backup Mike Pollak has come on and isn’t a huge downgrade.

Diem seems likely to play this week at Cincinnati, but his position is up in the air. The Colts could leave Mike Pollak at right guard, pushing Diem back out to right tackle in place of street free agent Quinn Ojinnaka.

''I suppose we’ll know a little bit more when we get the MRI results,’' coach Tony Dungy said.