Indianapolis Colts: Exactly When Will Robert Mathis Return

Robert Mathis is almost one year removed from a torn Achilles tendon. Exactly when will he return for the Indianapolis Colts?

Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Robert Mathis had a career season in 2013. He tallied a career-high 19.5 sacks and topped the league as a result he was awarded the first-ever Deacon Jones Award in February of 2014.

On the night of the award ceremony Robert Mathis was truly honored to be the first player to earn the Deacon Jones Award:

"“Deacon Jones was a guy who played the game the way I like to play it – lights out, quarterback-hating and just enjoying football. To be able to win the first award in his honor, it’s an honor. I grew up watching the old Deacon Jones film. He’s the creator of the sack, and it’s tremendous to be associated with Deacon Jones.”"

At the end of the open practice held on the last day of OTA’s, Mathis was presented with a diamond watch by team owner Jim Irsay to commemorate Mathis being the first ever recipient of the Deacon Jones Award.

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Head Coach Chuck Pagano commented on the presentation while speaking with reporters after the ceremony: “He (Jim Irsay) was just recognizing Robert for winning the Deacon Jones Award back in 2013 and winning the sack title,” coach Chuck Pagano told reporters, according to a transcript released by the team. “(It was) the first-ever Deacon Jones Award, and so he just recognized him for that.”

Teammate Mike Adams was in awe of the reward: “Mathis definitely got some bling. I saw from a mile away. We definitely honored Mathis and his achievements in 2013 and the greatness he played. That’s what it was all about. I didn’t see the watch. I just saw the diamonds from way back. It almost hurt my eyes.”

"Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mathis was professionally apologetic for suspension but personally has no regrets about his decisions. From that moment to present, much has happened in Mathis’ life. In trying to expand their family, Mathis and his wife began fertility treatment to bolster their chances for a new addition. Mathis began taking the fertility supplement Clomid to increase the odds of pregnancy and it was a double-edged sword. The treatments were a success, but also led to an unfortunate 4-game suspension for violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy for taking “performance enhancing drugs.” Clomid is a fertility drug, but is also used as a masking agent for PEDs and is banned by the NFL for its masking properties. Scott Horner of the Indianapolis Star wrote in July of 2014, “Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis, whose efforts to have another child played a role in his suspension for the first four games of this season, is a father again.” Brielle Emma-Rose Mathis was born July 19th. Obviously, If Mathis could go back and do it again he would. Any father would. He told Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star, “I apologized for the professional side of it but from a personal side, I have no regrets at all,” Mathis said Wednesday at training camp. “I look at my baby’s face in my phone every day, and I have no regrets.” Last time I address it then after that may God bless it: I have no opinion on anyone else’s situation bc #MyUnit don’t benefit from it. This is my current situation in my arms and that’s that! #GoColts #FFF(in that order) A photo posted by Robert Mathis (@rmathis_the1st) on Jul 24, 2014 at 3:45pm PDT Dec 29, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colts linebacker Robert Mathis(98) is introduced before the Jacksonville Jaguars game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports Who could blame Mathis for having no regrets? He has a beautiful baby girl and was only facing a four-game suspension. He was professionally sorry but personally grateful. Then the other shoe fell. Because he was suspended Mathis was not allowed to train at the Colts’ facility for the duration of the suspension. More from Ink on Indy Still Searching for Their Groove, Pacers Take on Struggling Magic Thursday Night Pacers Travel to the Nation’s Capital to Begin Four Game Road Trip Update on Pacers’ Oladipo’s Serious Leg Injury Has Romeo Langford Been a Disappointment for the Hoosiers? The Indianapolis Colts Have a Brutal Road Schedule in 2019 Instead he went to Atlanta, Georgia to train on his own. On September 8, 2014 Mathis’ season ended after tearing his Achilles tendon. Facing rehabilitation and about to turn 34, most athletes would considering hanging up the cleats. The Indianapolis Colts all-time sack leader was not despondent, instead he was confident. Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star spoke with Mathis after his surgery to repair the tendon. Mathis told Holder the doctors prognosis was, “About six months,” he said. “I’ll be back faster. I like to think I’m a fast healer.” Dec 29, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colts line backer Robert Mathis (98) signs autographs after the Colts defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 30-10 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports Here we are 10 months later… How is Mathis doing and how soon will he be back for the Indianapolis Colts? He is still recovering, rehabilitating and training. Mathis has nothing to hide about where he is in the recovery process. He has posted videos of his training and – on the surface – looks close to being medically cleared for practice. As for the official answer to his return, The jury is still out. Mathis has stated several times that he wants to be on the field week 1, which is September 13th at Buffalo. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was less optimistic about Mathis’ goal but confident that Mathis will return sooner than later. Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star caught up with Irsay to get an update on Mathis’ current status: “The good news is Robert is trending in the right direction,” Irsay told The Star. “We’re all very excited and pleased with the progress that he’s making. The timetable is unknown. Will it be October 15? Will it be September 15? I really, at this point, no one knows.” We just want to make sure that he’s ready-ready when it’s time to go,” Irsay also said Monday. “He can come in, have a couple of years with us at this point in his career, and be the difference-maker he was.” See Mathis’ Instagram videos he posted below showing his training and his current progress: The #Sandpit is the hidden gem in the art of passrushing. #HappyFeet #DontLetOLinemenJumpOnYourBack #KeepTheFeetChopping @defensivelineinc A video posted by Robert Mathis (@rmathis_the1st) on Jul 27, 2015 at 6:45pm PDT Shoutout to the Colts Training Staff #ErinHammerWallyKyleKellen #GettingMeBack2BeingMe A video posted by Robert Mathis (@rmathis_the1st) on Jul 25, 2015 at 5:55pm PDT The Best Director of ReHab IN THE NFL #ErinBarill #YeaiSaiditAndWhat ….. #ThaHoops #GoTime #FriendsSince2003 A video posted by Robert Mathis (@rmathis_the1st) on Jul 2, 2015 at 4:55pm PDT Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) fumbles as he is hit by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis (98) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports Once Robert Mathis returns what should be the Indianapolis Colts’ expectations for him in 2015? Robert Mathis will be on the field this fall that we can be sure of. When? Well, that is up to the doctors. I believe it will be after week 1. If I were the Colts I’d wait until they are completely sure he is 100% healthy. The worst thing the Indianapolis Colts can do is let him rush back and re-injure himself. There is no question that Mathis wants to return. He is the leader of the Colts’ defense and is a field general who cannot stand by and watch his fellow warriors go into the fray without him. It’s my opinion that is why he says Week 1. He does not want to be a spectator for even a single game more. Once he does dig those cleats into the turf for the first time in regulation, You can expect him to draw attention. Whether he is as fast as he used to be, faster or even if he has lost a step, you can count on the opposition to account for him. this year Mathis will not have to do it alone. Now the Colt’s have a bookend compliment in 10-year All-Pro Trent Cole who can rush from the other side. For the first time since Dwight Freeney donned the horsehoe. Robert Mathis will not have to carry the pass rush on his own. The Colts had to manufacture blitzes and quarterback pressures in 2014. This year expect Mathis and Cole to be collapsing the pocket and assaulting quarterbacks at will. Realistically, Both Mathis and his counterpart can expect double-digit sacks this season. This is especially true if their opponents are playing from behind. With a lead, Mathis and company will have their ears pinned back and will be harassing opponents all season long. Next: Free Agents to Consider Following Cherilus' Release More from Ink on Indy Still Searching for Their Groove, Pacers Take on Struggling Magic Thursday Night Pacers Travel to the Nation’s Capital to Begin Four Game Road Trip Update on Pacers’ Oladipo’s Serious Leg Injury Has Romeo Langford Been a Disappointment for the Hoosiers? The Indianapolis Colts Have a Brutal Road Schedule in 2019 Last time I address it then after that may God bless it: I have no opinion on anyone else’s situation bc #MyUnit don’t benefit from it. This is my current situation in my arms and that’s that! #GoColts #FFF(in that order) A photo posted by Robert Mathis (@rmathis_the1st) on Jul 24, 2014 at 3:45pm PDT “The good news is Robert is trending in the right direction,” Irsay told The Star. “We’re all very excited and pleased with the progress that he’s making. The timetable is unknown. Will it be October 15? Will it be September 15? I really, at this point, no one knows.” We just want to make sure that he’s ready-ready when it’s time to go,” Irsay also said Monday. “He can come in, have a couple of years with us at this point in his career, and be the difference-maker he was.” The #Sandpit is the hidden gem in the art of passrushing. #HappyFeet #DontLetOLinemenJumpOnYourBack #KeepTheFeetChopping @defensivelineinc A video posted by Robert Mathis (@rmathis_the1st) on Jul 27, 2015 at 6:45pm PDT Shoutout to the Colts Training Staff #ErinHammerWallyKyleKellen #GettingMeBack2BeingMe A video posted by Robert Mathis (@rmathis_the1st) on Jul 25, 2015 at 5:55pm PDT The Best Director of ReHab IN THE NFL #ErinBarill #YeaiSaiditAndWhat ….. #ThaHoops #GoTime #FriendsSince2003 A video posted by Robert Mathis (@rmathis_the1st) on Jul 2, 2015 at 4:55pm PDT"

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