Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis missed all of last season, and his recovery from Achilles surgery may keep him from being ready to start training camp. But Mathis says that his Achilles is healing nicely and he feels good about the pace of his recovery.
“It’s awesome. We’re making big strides, clearing a lot of hurdles and I’m very encouraged,” Mathis said. “There’s not a lot I can’t do. It’s more just being cautious, taking it one step at a time, just taking it like that.”
Mathis said he expects to be on the field for the Week One game against the Bills in three months, but he did allow that it was tough for him to stand back and watch while his teammates went through Organized Team Activities.
“It’s frustrating because I’m used to going 100 miles an hour or whatever. Just have to be smart. I’m at the stage of my career where hey, smart not hard, Mathis said.
Mathis was one of the best defensive players in the league in 2013, when he recorded a career-high 19.5 sacks. But is it reasonable to think he can be even close to that kind of player again? Mathis knows that question is being asked, and he relishes it. Asked by a reporter what fuels him right now, Mathis answered, “It’s all media guys like you saying I’m 34 and can’t do it.”