The Colts’ preseason opener ended in a 13-13 tie with the New England Patriots on August 13, 2026, but the final play brought the night’s most jarring moment. Special teams coordinator Brian Mason was injured on the sideline after getting caught up in the action as the game closed.
On the last snap, Colts quarterback Riley Leonard heaved a Hail Mary that fell incomplete. Mason was standing near the sideline watching when a Colts player and a Patriots player got tangled in a rough exchange and their momentum carried them out of bounds and into the Colts area. Mason tried to get out of the way, but he was knocked down in the collision and appeared to suffer a knee injury.
A video that quickly spread online showed Mason screaming in pain and rolling on the turf immediately after the hit. Colts medical staff tended to him on the field before escorting him to the locker room for evaluation. He later flew back to Indianapolis with the team that night, and the Colts plan further evaluation, though the team has not offered any specifics yet.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen said, “He got rolled up right on the sideline that last play. So we’ll see.
He’s getting evaluated for his knee right now.” It is still unclear whether Mason will be available in the coming days.
Mason is in his fourth season as the Colts’ special teams coordinator. Before that, he held the same position at Notre Dame. If he needs time away, the Colts may have to sort out who fills that role in the next games.
Sideline injuries to coaches are unusual, but they do happen. Last season, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was involved in a collision with Marcus Mariota that left Quinn with a bloodied face.
The Colts now turn their attention to their next preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.
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