Injury Update: Robert Mathis Will Be a Gametime Decision

According to his head coach Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts veteran pass rusher Robert Mathis will be a gametime decision before the team’s Sunday, 1 PM EST start against the Buffalo Bills:

"“Yeah, we’ll make a decision come gameday,” Pagano replied when asked of Mathis’ availability for his team’s opening game on Sunday."

The 13-year veteran is still looking to get fully ready after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles last season. However, there’s been speculation earlier this week that Mathis could be deployed as a situational pass rusher on limited snaps against Buffalo.

Aug 22, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Robert Mathis watches the game from the bench area during a game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Along with Mathis, backup rookie cornerback D’Joun Smith (knee) is also listed as questionable on the team’s injury report.

It’s also worth noting that as far as injuries are concerned, starting cornerback Greg Toler (neck) and backup running back Vick Ballard (hamstring) have been declared out for Sunday.

While backup inside linebacker Nate Irving (knee), starting linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (toe), and backup cornerback Sheldon Price (concussion) are all listed as probable.

From the looks of things, the Colts are a bit banged up at cornerback with Toler out and two backups in Smith and Price somewhat hampered by injuries. Their only fully healthy cornerbacks appear to be Vontae Davis, Darius Butler, and Jalil Brown.

It looks as though both Smith and Price will be available for Sunday’s game; however, as the team hasn’t added any additional cornerback depth this week which is encouraging regarding their status.

Still, all eyes will be on whether Mathis will make his comeback on Sunday, as the 34 year old pass rusher hasn’t played in a real game since the Colts lost to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round of the playoffs on January 11, 2014.

While Mathis has said all along that he’d be ready for the team’s regular season opener, we’ll find out either way Sunday. If it were me, I wouldn’t necessarily bet against him.

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