Colts punter to undergo surgery to remove cancerous tumor

Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez has received some frightening medical news. Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez to undergo surgery to remove cancerous tumor

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/30/20

Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez likely won't play another game for the team this season.

Sanchez announced Monday, via the Colts, that he will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. It's unclear where the tumor is located, but Sanchez says doctors caught it before it was able to spread.

The 26-year-old is adamant about returning to the Colts' lineup as soon as possible and promised to come back stronger than ever.

We love you, @Rigojio88. #RigoStrong pic.twitter.com/nlBITTNYye
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 30, 2020

Sanchez signed with the Colts as a free agent out of Hawaii in 2017. He earned himself a four-year, $11.6 million deal in 2019 after finding plenty of success with the organization.

Indianapolis now will have to sign a punter to replace Sanchez, who is averaging 47.2 yards per punt this season. It's unclear who the Colts may target.

Sanchez's diagnosis is only the latest health issue for the Colts. Anthony Castonzo underwent an MRI on Monday to confirm whether or not he injured his MCL over the weekend and Ryan Kelly, Bobby Okereke, Jonathan Taylor, DeForest Buckner and Denico Autry all missed Sunday's game due to health issues.

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