Irsay: Mathis still not cleared for camp

Five days before the Indianapolis Colts report to training camp to officially begin the 2015 season, the status of the team's all-time sacks leader remains in limbo.

Outside linebacker Robert Mathis has not yet been given clearance from team doctors to participate in on-field activities, owner Jim Irsay told The Star on Monday. Mathis' recovery — he hasn't played a down of football in 16 months — has been encouraging, though.

"The good news is Robert is trending in the right direction," Irsay said. "We're all very excited and pleased with the progress that he's making. The timetable is unknown. Will it be October 15? Will it be September 15? I really, at this point, no one knows."

A violation of the league's performance enhancing drug policy cost Mathis four games to start last season; a shredded Achilles tendon kept him out the rest. Mathis confirmed earlier this summer an unspecified setback that further derailed his rehabilitation.

He's vowed to return to the field Sept. 13 — the day the Colts open the regular season in Buffalo. Whatever participation he has in training camp, which begins Sunday at Anderson University, remains to be seen.

"I have to come back," Mathis said in June. "I have to be a part of this. I have to prove to myself that I can do this."

Irsay and general manager Ryan Grigson have repeatedly expressed patience.

"We just want to make sure that he's ready-ready when it's time to go," Irsay added Monday. "He can come in, have a couple of years with us at this point in his career, and be the difference-maker he was.

"We're really excited about the prospect. Really, it's only been good news."

Call Star reporter Zak Keefer at (317) 444-6134 and follow him on Twitter: @zkeefer.