The Indianapolis Colts will begin next season without a key component of their defense.
The NFL announced Friday the suspension of Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis without pay for the first four games of the regular season for a violation of the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs.
Mathis will be eligible to return to the Colts’ active roster on Monday, Sept. 29, after their Sept. 28 game against the Tennessee Titans. He also will miss games against the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, Mathis is eligible to participate in offseason and preseason practices and games.
“We have learned that Robert Mathis will be required to serve a four-game suspension under the League’s policy on prohibited substances,” the Colts said in a statment. “We recognize the extreme seriousness of this matter and will honor the confidentiality requirements of the League’s program.
“We nevertheless wish to assure Robert and our fans that he remains an honored and cherished member of the Colts family and that we support him as he deals with this difficult challenge.”
The 33-year-old Mathis finished second to Luke Kuechly in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. Mathis had a career-best 19 1/2 sacks, 59 tackles and forced eight fumbles.
In 11 NFL seasons, all with the Colts, Mathis has racked up 487 tackles, including 111 sacks.