INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez says surgery to remove a cancerous tumor went well. The four-year veteran, who doubles as the Colts' kickoff specialist, made the announcement in a Twitter post Tuesday night, one day after he revealed the diagnosis on social media. Sanchez first learned he had a cancerous tumor late last week, and after consulting with doctors decided to play Sunday in a key AFC South showdown with Tennessee. The Colts (7-4) lost 45-26, falling one game behind the division-leading Titans.

Sanchez punted five times, but turned over his usual kickoff chores to rookie Rodrigo Blakenship. Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone said that was because Sanchez was having discomfort with his leg swing on kickoffs. The Colts also made accommodations for Sanchez's punts. Sanchez is one of the most popular players in the Colts' locker room and is averaging a career-high 47.2 yards on punts this season. The Colts have not said when they expect Sanchez to return. Indianapolis plays at Houston this weekend.