Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason left Thursday’s NFL preseason game after suffering a knee injury on the final play.
Mason was hurt near the sideline during Indianapolis’ 13-13 tie against the New England Patriots. Team doctors attended to him before taking him to the locker room for further evaluation.
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“He’s getting evaluated for his knee right now,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said after the game. “He got rolled up, right on the sideline. We’ll see.”
NFL insider Ari Meirov described the scene as concerning, noting Mason was “in significant pain.” The Colts did not provide further details on the injury after the game.
The timing adds another concern for Indianapolis during an important preseason evaluation period. Mason oversees a special teams unit facing several changes, including a closely watched competition at kicker.
Brian Mason’s Colts role makes the injury concerningNashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader (3) kicks a field goal at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The Colts entered the preseason with former Notre Dame teammates Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe competing for the kicking job. Grupe had gone 12-for-12 in camp, while Shrader dealt with consistency issues during his return from injury.
That battle changed Thursday. Grupe missed a 61-yard attempt, while Shrader connected from 61 yards to tie the game with 1:16 remaining.
For an NFL team, special teams performance often depends on detailed preparation and consistent communication. Mason’s absence could disrupt that process if his knee injury keeps him away from practice.
His role also extends beyond the kicker competition. Mason has discussed the added complexity surrounding kickoff returns and roster evaluations under the NFL’s evolving kickoff structure.
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That makes his status worth watching as Indianapolis continues building its 2026 roster. The Colts underwent major changes this offseason after collapsing late in 2025, so continuity matters across every phase.
Steichen’s brief update offered little clarity, but the next update should provide a better indication of Mason’s availability. For now, Indianapolis must wait while its special teams coordinator completes his evaluation.
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