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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis has not played since he suffered a tear in his lower bicep during a Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

His official playing status for Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings has yet to be announced. 

Continue for updates.

Pagano Comments on Mathis' Injury

Monday, Dec. 12

Head coach Chuck Pagano said Mathis is getting close to making his return, per Mike Chappell of IndySportsCentral.com. 

Pagano told reporters on Nov. 28 that Mathis is "day-to-day" with his injury.

Mathis Comments on Injury

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Mathis told reporters he has a "minor tear" in his lower bicep but added he has a "good shot" to return against the Houston Texans.

Mathis' Days as Dominant LB Are Numbered

Mathis has spent his entire 13-year career with the Colts. While the 35-year-old has been one of the organization's best pass-rushers, he's also been a reliable fixture on the defensive line.

With 121 career sacks, which ranks fifth on the NFL's active-player list, Mathis hasn't missed more than four games during a season in which he's actually made it on the field. He missed the entire 2014 season because of an Achilles injury.

Now 13 weeks into the 2016 season, Mathis is on pace for one of his worst years in the NFL with three sacks. Only once before did he record fewer than seven sacks, which was his rookie year in 2003.

In fact, he is just a few years removed from coming off a league-leading 19.5 sacks in 2013.

With Mathis out, Akeem Ayers has stepped in at the outside linebacker role full time. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.