Colts' Pagano wants recuperating Robert Mathis to slow down

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis was on the sidelines for the start of training camp Sunday and will likely remain there for the next several weeks.

While the Colts would like their franchise sack leader back, they aren't rushing his return from a torn Achilles tendon.

"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, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star.

Age is a big factor in the Colts' decision to ease Mathis, 34, back. The severity of the injury is also significant. Mathis was injured in September 2014, and a torn Achilles tendon typically takes a year to fully heal.

"I think we would be foolish to not consider all those things," head 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."

Mathis was placed on the physically unable to perform list Sunday and will be eligible to return immediately once cleared. However, if he remains on the PUP list when the regular season gets underway, he'll be forced to miss the first six games.