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          Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez has torn Achilles, likely out for season

          • Stephen Holder, ESPNAug 24, 2022, 03:35 PM
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              Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.

          WESTFIELD, Ind. -- Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez suffered a torn Achilles in Tuesday's practice, the team announced Wednesday.

          The injury will likely keep him out for the entire 2022 season. The Colts moved quickly to find a possible replacement, signing punter Matt Haack on Thursday. Haack, a five-year veteran, was released by the Buffalo Bills earlier this week.

          Colts defensive end Kwity Paye, meanwhile, suffered a knee injury in Wednesday's practice, but sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that the team's initial belief is that it is not serious. Paye is undergoing further evaluation to determine the extent of the injury.

          Sanchez suffered the injury while running wind sprints at the conclusion of Tuesday's practice. Further testing showed that his Achilles was torn.

          The Colts have used Sanchez as a punter and kickoff specialist since he joined the club as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Sanchez signed a four-year extension in 2019 after establishing himself as one of the top players at his position.

          The Colts have implemented wind sprints after some of their practices during this training camp to supplement players' conditioning. The team has generally shortened its workouts this season and was wrapping up a 90-minute practice when Sanchez sustained the injury.

          Sanchez ranked ninth in the NFL in punts taken inside the 20-yard line last season (43.4%). He also has become one of the best directional kickers in the game, a skill the Colts use often against top kick and punt returners.