Colts 2016 player preview: Outside linebacker Robert Mathis

The Indianapolis Colts will report to training camp on July 26 (TODAY!) with their 90-man roster, which will be cut down to 53 players by the end of the preseason. To pass the time until camp, we’re taking a look at every player on the Colts’ 90-man roster. Today, we’re looking at outside linebacker Robert Mathis.

Who is he?

I think every Colts fan knows who Robert Mathis is, as he’s the longest-tenured player with the franchise, as well as their all-time leader in sacks with 118. Mathis is entering his 14th season in the NFL (all with the Colts) and has been very productive, racking up 118 sacks, 49 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, 507 tackles, 15 passes defensed, and an interception. He spent the first part of last season working his way back from a torn Achilles that caused him to miss the entire 2014 season, so he has said that he didn’t really feel fully healthy until later in the year last season.

What is his role?

Mathis is the leading member of the Colts’ pass rush, and he’s really the only one that can be truly counted on – and even then he’s 35 years old and two years removed from a torn Achilles. With Mathis back at full health for a 16 game season, it’s not unrealistic to think he can reach double-digits in sacks, but the Colts will still need other pass rushers to step up. Right now, it’s unclear who that will be, so it appears to be Robert Mathis first and then everyone else second for the time being.

What are his chances?

Robert Mathis will play a key role in 2016 as the main (and possibly only) reliable pass rush threat.