INDIANAPOLIS – The man who has arguably the biggest individual play of the Colts 2015 season will be merely an observer for at least a month.
Rookie Phillip Dorsett will have a procedure Tuesday on his fractured fibula which will keep the Colts first-round pick sidelined for four-to-six weeks.
"It's tough for us," Matt Hasselbeck said of the injury to Dorsett.
"It's tough. I like him a lot. He's got a bright future and he's going to have a great career. He's a weapon for us and it's just unfortunate."
The injury for Dorsett came in Sunday's loss to the Saints.
Midway through the second quarter, Dorsett lined up as a running back, in a shotgun set, before releasing for an eight-yard out pattern. After the catch, a combination tackle from the Saints led to the rookie wide receiver feeling a crack in his lower leg.
Dorsett, who missed time during the preseason due to a knee contusion, eventually walked to the locker room in what will be his final football action for at least a month.
On the season, Dorsett ranks second on the team in averaging 15.2 yards per catch (11 receptions for 167 yards).
By far, the rookie highlight for Dorsett came on a third-and-20 in the comeback win over the Titans.
With the Colts down by 13 points in Nashville, Dorsett's leaping touchdown grab of 35 yards sparked the team's first victory of 2015.
The timing of such an injury is never ideal, and it's even worse with Dorsett feeling that he was beginning to make some strides within the Colts offensive system.
"I was literally just starting to get into the flow and starting to get into the game plan more," Dorsett said on Monday.
"I was getting involved and playing a lot more. We had a lot more four-wide (sets) and I was playing a little running back. Like I said, things happen. It's football. But I don't expect a drop off when I get back."
Back in college, a junior year MCL injury for Dorsett put the game of football into perspective for him on how quickly it can be taken away.
While watching Dorsett struggle to move around on Monday with his crutches, the Colts first-round pick was firm in his belief that he will overcome this setback.
"It's nothing that I can't get through," Dorsett said.
"I know for a fact, knowing me, I will be back."
