Colts Receive Concerning Update After Coach Suffers Injury in Preseason Opener
The Indianapolis Colts began their 2026 preseason Thursday night against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, using the matchup to evaluate players and fine-tune their roster ahead of the regular season.
Anthony Richardson started at quarterback for Indianapolis, while Daniel Jones and several other projected starters watched from the sideline. New England also held out most of its starters, including quarterback Drake Maye.
The game ended in a 13-13 tie after Colts kicker Spencer Shrader drilled a 61-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining. However, Indianapolis left the game with several developments worth monitoring, including an injury to special teams coordinator Brian Mason.
Brian Mason Injured on Final Play
Mason suffered a knee injury on the final play of Thursday night’s game. Head coach Shane Steichen said afterward that Mason was being evaluated.
As Riley Leonard attempted a Hail Mary, a blocking collision between a Colts and Patriots player moved toward the sideline and involved Mason.
“He got rolled up right on the sideline that last play,” Steichen said. “So we’ll see. He’s getting evaluated for his knee right now.”
Mason appeared to be in considerable pain and remained on the field while Colts medical staff checked on him. He was eventually taken to the locker room for additional evaluation.
According to James Boyd of The Athletic, Mason traveled back to Indianapolis with the team Thursday night. The Colts expected to have more information about his condition on Friday and over the following days.
Indianapolis has yet to announce a specific diagnosis, imaging results, or expected recovery time. Until those details are available, Mason’s status will remain a major concern as the Colts continue through the preseason.
Mason is entering his fourth season as Indianapolis’ special teams coordinator. He previously served in the same role at Cincinnati and Notre Dame, including during Notre Dame’s 2022 season.
His potential absence could be significant as the Colts continue evaluating their special teams units. Indianapolis ranked second in the NFL in kickoff return average in 2025 at 28.8 yards and allowed the league’s lowest opponent punt-return average at 6.3 yards.
Anthony Richardson Provides Encouraging Signs
The Colts also got an important look at Richardson, who returned to game action after playing in just two games last season.
With Jones among the players held out, Richardson took the majority of the first-team quarterback work. He completed 11 of 14 passes for 145 yards and added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Richardson did have two turnovers, however. He lost a fumble and later threw an interception after a pass was tipped by receiver Coleman Owen and picked off by Kindle Vildor.
Richardson acknowledged that his return was not completely smooth but said his teammates encouraged him to move on from mistakes and focus on the next play.
Indianapolis spent much of the night trailing before Shrader’s 61-yard field goal with 1:16 left brought the Colts level.
The Patriots had an opportunity to win in the final seconds, but Anthony Borregales missed a 49-yard field-goal attempt with 13 seconds remaining. Because NFL preseason games do not go to overtime, the matchup ended in a 13-13 draw.
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