INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason tore multiple knee ligaments after a sideline collision on the final play of Thursday night's preseason game against the New England Patriots, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The injury occurred when Mason, observing the action near the out-of-bounds line, was run into after a Colts blocker and Patriots defensive player remained engaged after the release of quarterback Riley Leonard's Hail Mary pass as time expired. The fracas continued into the sideline area. Mason, unable to avoid the contact before the collision, was knocked to the ground and immediately reacted, indicating he was in severe pain.
He joined the team on the flight home following the game and was further evaluated upon returning to Indianapolis. It's unclear how, exactly, the injury will impact the Colts, but it will likely be an issue that needs to be addressed.
Mason oversees all aspects of the Colts' special teams and, depending on his final diagnosis and the potential for surgery to address the issues, his immediate availability is uncertain. If Mason's mobility is impacted, that will not be ideal for a coach who has to oversee a large group of personnel.
Special teams coaches must corral players from across the roster to assist in the kicking game. Mason, a former Notre Dame assistant in his fourth season with Indianapolis, is aided by senior assistant Joe Hastings.
The Indianapolis Star first reported Mason's injury.