Colts’ Robert Mathis back from suspension, extended through 2016

Robert Mathis, the Indianapolis Colts star outside linebacker, is back with the team following his recent suspension. He will also have his contract extended through the 2016 NFL season, as reported by Mike Garafolo on Twitter.

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The 2013 NFL leader in sacks with 19.5 set a franchise record with that mark last year. His absence on defense thus far has been quite noticeable, and it reflects in the Indianapolis box scores. Though the pace has softened as of late, the Colts surrendered 61 points through their first two games without him, allowing both Peyton Manning and Nick Foles to throw for a combined 594 yards and 4 touchdowns.

No doubt Indy will be thankful to have their biggest defensive asset back. Couple this with an improvement on that side of the ball in the last few games and Andrew Luck’s suddenly monstrous pace on offense, the Colts look like a legitimate contender in the AFC.

The extension, as previously stated, takes Mathis into the 2016 season. And though he is already 33, his career-best season was just last year. He has posted at least 8 sacks every season dating back to 2008. Mathis is the Colts’ franchise leader in all time sacks with 111 and has an NFL record 43 strip sacks in his career.

 

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