COLTS SPECIAL TEAMS COACH INJURED IN SIDELINE COLLISION

Brian Mason, special teams coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, sustained a knee injury during a sideline collision on the final play of Thursday night's preseason game against the New England Patriots. Two players engaged with each other ran into Mason as he stood on the sideline during the fourth quarter. Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the incident, stating that Mason "got rolled up right on the sideline that last play" and was undergoing evaluation for his knee injury. Mason flew back to Indianapolis with the team that evening.

The Colts-Patriots game ended in a 13-13 tie, as the National Football League does not play overtime during preseason matches. Mason is in his fourth year as special teams coordinator for the Colts and brings 19 years of coaching experience. Team medical staff attended to him on the field before he was taken to the locker room for further assessment.

The incident represents an unusual occurrence, though not unprecedented in professional football. Commanders coach Dan Quinn sustained a bloody face last season following a collision with Marcus Mariota during a game, and Saints coach Sean Payton broke his tibia and tore his MCL in 2011 when tight end Jimmy Graham collided with him on the sideline. The full extent of Mason's injury and timeline for his return remain to be determined pending further evaluation in the coming days.