Robert Mathis: Indianapolis Colts Star DE Expected to Play in September

Robert Mathis missed all of last season due to a torn Achilles, but seems to be getting close to getting back on the field for the Indianapolis Colts. He is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and it was obvious that the Colts needed him in a big way last season. According to Colts' owner Jim Irsay, the Colts' star DE will likely get back into the action for the Colts soon and is expected to play in September at some point.

There was no way for the Colts to replace Mathis last season, although they were extremely disappointed with the play that Bjoern Werner put out. Simply having Mathis back on the field will take the Colts' defense to the next level.

During the 2013 season with the Colts, Mathis put up huge numbers across the board. He recorded 59 tackles, 19.5 sacks and an impressive eight forced fumbles. Mathis is one of the best in the league at stripping the football away from quarterbacks as he sacks them, which has been a major game changer over the years for Indianapolis.

At 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, Mathis possesses impressive speed and quickness while still being able to go through offensive linemen if he can't get around them.

Leadership is another quality that Mathis brings to the field, which was missed by the Colts in a big way last year. Mathis is 34 years old and is entering into his 13th NFL season with the Colts, and he knows how to mentor young players and step up for his team. He is able to see things that younger players can't see and puts himself in the right place at the right time because of that ability.

It will be interesting to see what kind of season he is able to have coming off of a very serious Achilles injury. Hopefully, he was able to get his explosion off the line back throughout the rehab process.

Assuming Mathis is back to 100 percent and hasn't lost much due to the injury, the year off could actually do him good. Getting some extra rest despite rehabbing from a torn Achilles could be good for his body, and it will also make him come back with a chip on his shoulder, looking to prove himself. Indianapolis could very well be getting the addition of the offseason in a player that has been one of their franchise cornerstones for years.

Expect to see Mathis make a major difference for the Colts this season and to be the type of defensive playmaker and leader that they were missing last season.