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Colts Inactives: Robert Mathis Inactive Against Buffalo Bills

ByLuke Schultheis|

Indianapolis Colts veteran pass rusher Robert Mathis will be inactive today, as he was included in the team’s announced inactive players ahead of Sunday’s 1 PM EST matchup with the Buffalo Bills:

  • RB Vick Ballard (hamstring)
  • CB Greg Toler (neck)
  • CB D’Joun Smith (knee)
  • OG Hugh Thornton (knee)
  • OT Denzelle Good
  • OLB Robert Mathis (Achilles)
  • DE Billy Winn

Mathis was actually warming up on the field earlier in the morning, and apparently, both he and the training staff didn’t feel comfortable enough that he’d be fully ready to go today:

Earlier this week, there was speculation that the 13-year veteran could be utilized as purely a situational pass rusher in a limited capacity:

"“We have a mutual decision and there’s a plan in place,” Mathis said via the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder regarding his potential pass rushing role on Sunday. “We just have to follow it and make the best of everything.”"

However, it appears that Mathis is at least another week away from playing in actual gametime action. While Mathis had said all along that he’d be ready to go for the team’s regular season opener, it appears that such aspirations were a bit overly optimistic coming off such a significant injury.

Regardless, Mathis appears close to returning for the Colts, and that’s a testament to his hard work and dedication in his rehabilitation.

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

It’s unclear if Mathis will be able to regain his prior form, but if he’s anything close to what he once was, the Colts figure to have another productive pass rusher to pair with veteran Trent Cole and emerging 2nd-year pro Jonathan Newsome on the outside. The 34 year old is just one year removed from a 19.5 sack season after all in which he was the league’s sack leader in 2013.

Otherwise, with starting cornerback Greg Toler out, the Colts will presumably start Darius Butler in his absence with backup cornerbacks like Jalil Brown and Sheldon Price seeing more extensive playing time.

As typically the defense’s slot nickel cornerback, Butler will slide inside on obvious passing situations against Buffalo’s 3-wideout sets, which means a combination of Brown or Price could see themselves playing a lot on the outside.

Something that head coach Chuck Pagano appeared quite comfortable with, heading into Sunday’s game:

"“Yeah, I mean he (Darius Butler) can go in there (inside),” Pagano said. “Jalil Brown can play inside. Jalil can play outside. We’ve got Sheldon (Price), who will be an outside guy. But, we’ve got options there.”"

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