Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano has admitted that it is a "devastating blow" for his side to lose outside linebacker Robert Mathis for the season.
The 33-year-old was banned for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, but sustained a torn Achilles tendon while working out on his own.
Pagano has likened the loss to that of last season when veteran receiver Reggie Wayne tore his ACL and missed the last nine games of the campaign.
"Just like Reggie last year, your warrior, your leader," Pagano told WFNI Indianapolis. "He'll be missed. This one stings and it is a devastating blow."
The Colts lost their first game of the season to the Denver Broncos.
