The Indianapolis Colts may be without special teams coordinator Brian Mason for a while after he suffered a severe knee injury on the final play of the preseason opener Thursday night.
Mason tore multiple ligaments in his knee when a Colts player and a New England Patriots player fell into him on the sideline while they were engaged as Riley Leonard attempted a Hail Mary pass, ESPN reported. The coach was unable to avoid the contact and took a direct hit to the leg. He fell to the turf and immediately grabbed his knee.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters after the game Mason was being evaluated after getting “rolled up,” the Indianapolis Star reported. Mason flew home with the team from Foxborough, Mass., and was evaluated further on Friday, ESPN reported.
It is not known whether Mason will need surgery or miss any time, but Mason’s injury could affect the way Indianapolis’ special teams are coached in the coming days if his mobility is limited. Mason is in his fourth season as the team’s coordinator. Joe Hastings is Mason’s senior assistant special teams coach.
The Colts and Patriots ended their exhibition in a 13-13 tie. No overtime period was played.
The Star noted that Mason’s injury is not unique. Then-New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton suffered a broken tibia and torn MCL in 2011 when Saints tight end Jimmy Graham fell into him on the sideline.