Indianapolis Colts

Colts' Whalen struggles on special teams again

Published Oct. 26, 2015 12:23 p.m. ET

foxsports

A week after being involved with the fake punt fiasco that led to the Indianapolis Colts loss to the New England Patriots, wide receiver Griff Whalen once again found himself in the spotlight Sunday because of special teams mistakes.

Whalen, who served as the center on the ill-fated fake punt against the Patriots while filling in for the injured Clayton Geathers, had three fumbles in the 27-21 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

His second-quarter fumble on a kickoff return led to a touchdown pass from Saints quarterback Drew Brees to tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.

“Every time I’m back there, I want to make a play,” Whalen said, per the Indianapolis Star. “But at the same time, I can’t make mistakes like that.”

In addition to the lost fumble in the second quarter, Whalen also muffed two punts, though the Colts were able to recover both.

Despite the rough game, Indianapolis linebacker Robert Mathis sad he had no concerns about Whalen moving forward.

“I trust Griff with my life,” Mathis said. “He’s one of my favorite guys on the team. He’s the ultimate professional and he’s going to do what he’s supposed to do."