Colts Special Teams Coordinator Brian Mason Injured in Sideline Collision

On August 13, 2026, during the Indianapolis Colts’ preseason opener against the New England Patriots, special teams coordinator Brian Mason was knocked to the ground by a sideline collision on the last play. A Colts player and a Patriots player blocked each other and rolled onto the sideline, striking Mason’s knee. Team doctors attended him immediately, and he was later taken to the locker room for further evaluation. A league source and multiple local reports indicate that Mason suffered multiple torn knee ligaments. The injury was confirmed by the team’s insider Joel A. Erickson on August 14, 2026.

USA TodayNew York TimesIndianapolis StarThe Sporting NewsShane Steichen and the Colts faced with coaching adjustment they couldn’t have possibly prepared for following unfortunate injury Colts ST coordinator Brian Mason has significant knee injury after close of game collision

• Brian Mason – special teams coordinator, entering his fourth season with Indianapolis; previously served as special teams coordinator at Notre Dame (2022) and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Fox News (website)

• Shane Steichen – Colts head coach, who announced the injury in the post-game press conference.

The Sun - US

• Joe Hastings – senior assistant special teams coach, positioned to assume additional duties if Mason is unavailable.

USA Today

Mason’s unit helped the Colts rank second in the NFL for kickoff return average (28.8 %) and field-goal percentage (94.4 %) in the 2025 season.

Bleacher Report

• Kickoff return average (2025): 28.8 % (second in the league).

Fox News (website)

• Field-goal success rate (2025): 94.4 % (second in the league).

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• Game result: 13-13 tie; NFL preseason games do not use overtime.

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Head coach Shane Steichen said Mason was “being evaluated for his knee” after the collision and that the team would monitor his condition in the coming days. The Colts have not released a formal medical diagnosis beyond the reports of torn ligaments. Senior assistant Joe Hastings is expected to handle day-to-day special-teams duties while Mason recovers, though the organization has not confirmed a permanent replacement.

USA Today

Broadcast footage captured Mason screaming and rolling on the turf after the impact. Colts medical staff surrounded him promptly, and he was later escorted off the field. The incident occurred as quarterback Riley Leonard attempted a Hail-Mary pass that fell incomplete. The collision was described by observers as “significant pain” and “a freak accident” that is rare for coaching staff.

USA Today

Mason’s injury creates uncertainty for the Colts’ special-teams preparation ahead of the regular season, which begins later in September. With two preseason games remaining in August, the coaching staff must adjust practice responsibilities and possibly rely on Joe Hastings or other in-house personnel. The unit’s prior success in kickoff returns and field-goal accuracy underscores the importance of continuity, making Mason’s availability a key factor in the team’s overall preseason development.

Shane Steichen and the Colts faced with coaching adjustment they couldn’t have possibly prepared for following unfortunate injury

• “He got rolled up right on the sideline on that last play,” — Shane Steichen, colts head coach

New York Times

• “He got rolled up right on the sideline on that last play, so we'll see,” — Shane Steichen, colts head coach

USA Today

• “Getting back in my groove, it was a little rocky start for me in the beginning, but the guys on the sideline were just telling me to take the next play and just go next play after that,” — Anthony Richardson

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