The Colts lost to the Patriots on Thursday night, 38-24, but they also were in danger of losing a veteran player permanently.
Guard Matt Slauson played through most of the second half with two broken vertebrae, according to the Indianapolis Star. Not only that, but he also was "one play away" from possibly being paralyzed.
"I had no idea how close I was to changing my family's life," he said.
The Colts placed Slauson on injured reserve this week, but it wasn't until Wednesday that the severity of his injury was revealed. Slauson said he felt he could play through the injury, not realizing how serious it was.
According to the Star, even though he is expected to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, the Colts want to keep Slauson, 32, and are letting him stay on the sideline and in the locker room so he can remain a leader to the team.
"I can't imagine playing anywhere else," he said.
Rookie guard Braden Smith will take Slauson's place in the starting lineup.