Indianapolis Colts

Colts LB Mathis makes his return in loss to Jets

Published Sep. 22, 2015 2:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

The wasn't a whole lot of good news that came of the Indianapolis Colts' Monday night loss to the New York Jets that dropped the team to 0-2 on the season, but the team did receive a boost with the return of linebacker Robert Mathis to the lineup.

Mathis, who led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2013, missed all of last season after sitting out four games due to a violation of the NFL's policy against performance enhancing drugs and then tearing his Achilles tendon. Monday night marked his first action in 618 days.

“The crowd gave me a great reception and it’s always great to be welcomed back home,” Mathis said, per the team's official website. “It was bitter sweet of course. Still a blessing.”

The 34-year-old made one tackle and recorded one hurry of Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick the game. He played 13 snaps in limited playing time.

Mathis, who called his return "emotional," said he was to pleased to finally be back on the field.

“It was game time,” Mathis said. “I just had to jump on the grenade and see what was still attached. Everything felt good, so just going to build on it.”

(h/t Indianapolis Colts)