Quinn

Ojinnaka

This isn’t so much of a downgrade for the Colts’ pass protection as it is for its run blocking. Curtis Painter has dealt with a patchwork line since taking over Kerry Collins, and Diem already ranks among the league’s worst at right tackle. Use your Colts passing weapons as you normally would. The run game is already hands off for fantasy purposes.

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.

Ojinnaka was released by the old coaching staff last summer. He was visiting Thursday night along with former Jets backup OL Rob Turner, a sign that the Rams were looking for depth up front with this signing. Ojinnaka has just 15 career starts in six NFL seasons.

Bryan Mattison took the bulk of the snaps at the position in offseason practices. The inference is that the coaching staff wasn’t thrilled with his performance. Left guard is a potential trouble spot for a team that wants to run heavily in 2012.

Ojinnaka was benched in favor of Shelley Smith at left guard in the Rams’ Week 7 loss to the Packers, and they liked what they saw enough to make a permanent change. A seven-year veteran, Ojinnaka appeared in nine games for the Colts last season, making three starts. Now cut loose from two of the league’s worst offensive lines in back-to-back seasons, Ojinnaka could have trouble finding work.

The Rams need Ojinnaka’s experience and versatility after losing C Scott Wells (foot) for the season and LT Rodger Saffold (neck) indefinitely.

Ojinnaka started five games at left guard for the Rams last season, but he was completely overmatched and released. Schaefering has appeared in 40 career games between the Browns and Cowboys over the last four seasons.

Ojinnaka has starting experience and can play both guard and tackle. He’s a better pass protector than run blocker, something the Colts need after Curtis Painter’s time evaporated late in Monday night’s loss to the Bucs.

Toudouze was signed for depth last week with multiple injuries up front. Quinn Ojinnaka ended up drawing the start at right tackle, leaving Toudouze as the odd man out.

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.