Colts to Robert Mathis — 'Slow down... It's a long season'

ANDERSON – Robert Mathis watched from the sideline — at least when he wasn't devouring tackling dummies just beyond the west end zone in an individual workout — as the Indianapolis Colts took the field for their first training camp practice on Sunday.

You should not be surprised if he continues to be a spectator for a quite a while longer.

The Colts placed Mathis on the active/physically unable to perform list Sunday, a designation that can be changed at any point before regular season rosters are finalized next month (players on reserve/PUP once the regular season begins must miss at least six weeks).

But the Colts have no firm timetable for a return for the franchise sack leader who is coming off a torn Achilles tendon . In fact, they're kind of saying Mathis should take his sweet time.

"We're not pressuring him. We want him back, yes, but we want him back when he's really ready to go," linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald said. "We want Robert Mathis, not a part of Robert Mathis. We don't have to thrust him in there right now and say, 'Hey, let's go!' before he's ready. That's the beauty of this thing. We have some good, capable outside linebackers."

Mathis' age, 34, is certainly a factor. Age impacts a player's ability to heal quickly. But as much a factor is the severity of the injury, one that typically requires a year-long recovery. Mathis was injured in early September 2014.

"I think we would be foolish to not consider all those things," coach Chuck Pagano said. "… It would be stupid on our part to say, 'Ok, you're healthy, you're good. We just have to stick to the process and be patient. Everybody's champing at the bit. You guys (media) are champing at the bit. He's champing at the bit. We're champing at the bit. The position coach is champing at the bit.

"Slow down. We've got a long way to go. It's a long season."

Though it hasn't been stated outright, it seems the Colts prefer to have Mathis onboard for the season's stretch run. With the signing of veteran free agent Trent Cole and emergence of second-year player Jonathan Newsome, the Colts have pass-rushing options.

"We've got Trent Cole and Jonathan Newsome coming on," FitzGerald said. "But when (Mathis) is good, he'll play. No doubt about it."

In other injury news, the Colts also placed guard Donald Thomas (thigh) on PUP as he continues to rehab. Linebacker Nate Irving (knee) is active but likely won't be a full participant for at least a while.

Running back Vick Ballard was cleared and participated in practice Sunday.

Follow Star reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.