Colts Special Teams Coordinator Injured
Colts Special Teams Coordinator Brian Mason Injured, Knee Under Evaluation After Preseason Collision
Key Points
Mason sustained a knee injury on the game's final play when a sideline collision knocked him down; he was attended to by team doctors and flown back to Indianapolis for further evaluation, with head coach Shane Steichen saying, 'He's getting evaluated for his knee right now.'
The injury comes as Mason's unit was already noted for strong early-season special teams performance, with the Colts ranking second in kickoff-return average (28.8 yards) and allowing the league's lowest opponent punt-return average (6.3 yards) in 2025.
The Colts' kicker competition remains a focal point in Mason's absence: former Notre Dame teammates Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe have been in a heated battle, with Grupe going 12-for-12 in camp while Shrader has had consistency issues; in the game Shrader hit a 61-yard field goal to tie the game, while Grupe missed a 61-yard attempt.
Mason is in his fourth season coordinating the Colts’ special teams and hails from Zionsville, Indiana; he previously served as Notre Dame’s special teams coordinator in 2022.
Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason suffered a serious knee injury on the final play of a 13-13 preseason tie with the New England Patriots. Colts Wire reported that Mason sustained multiple torn knee ligaments after players ran into him on the sideline during a late Hail Mary attempt.
Mason was attended to by team doctors on the sideline and then flown back to Indianapolis for further evaluation. Head coach Shane Steichen said, "He's getting evaluated for his knee right now," offering no immediate timeline for recovery, according to Sporting News.
Sideline Collision on Game's Final Play Ends Mason's Night
The injury happened in a chaotic moment at the end of the game. Players spilled onto the sideline during the final Hail Mary play and knocked Mason down. He went down hard and could not walk off under his own power. Team doctors rushed to his side immediately, according to Sports Yahoo.
Mason was later transported back to Indianapolis for a full medical evaluation. Sporting News reported that he suffered multiple torn knee ligaments, which would be a significant injury. The Colts have not yet set a timetable for his return.
Mason's Fourth Season Leading a Top-Ranked Special Teams Unit
Mason is in his fourth year as the Colts' special teams coordinator. He joined Indianapolis in 2023 after serving as Notre Dame's special teams coordinator in 2022, according to Bradenton. He hails from Zionsville, Indiana, giving the role a local connection.
His unit has been one of the best in the league. The Colts ranked second in kickoff-return average at 28.8 yards per return. They also allowed the lowest opponent punt-return average in the NFL at just 6.3 yards. Losing Mason, even temporarily, is a real blow to the coaching staff.
Kicker Battle Between Two Former Notre Dame Teammates Heats Up
Mason's injury lands at a complicated time. The Colts are still deciding between two kickers: Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe. Both played at Notre Dame. In the preseason game, Shrader hit a 61-yard field goal to tie the score. Grupe missed a 61-yard attempt, according to Sporting News.
Grupe has been the steadier kicker in camp, going 12-for-12 during practice. Shrader has had consistency issues. Special teams coordinators typically drive kicker decisions. With Mason sidelined and possibly out long-term, the Colts must figure out how to manage that competition without their top special teams coach.
Colts Join Steelers in Preseason Coaching Health Concerns
Indianapolis is not alone in dealing with a coaching health scare this preseason. Lancaster Online reported that Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Steve Scarnecchia had a medical situation before their opening preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. That forced the Steelers to shuffle their coaching responsibilities before kickoff.
For the Colts, the focus now shifts to monitoring Mason's condition over the coming days. The team is expected to release updates as his evaluation is completed. Indianapolis opens its regular season soon, making the timeline for any potential absence or return critically important for the roster's final structure.
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