Colts Punter Rigoberto Sanchez on Tumor: 'We Can't Flinch'

Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez revealed Monday morning that he has a cancerous tumor and will have surgery Tuesday to have it removed.

Sanchez posted the news on Instagram. He did not indicate where the tumor is located, but did write that doctors found it before it spread to the rest of his body.

"Unfortunately, there are things you can’t control in life and this is one of them," Sanchez wrote. "No plans or preparation would have gotten me ready for this kind of adversity, but like I told my wife, we can’t flinch."

Colts coach Frank Reich told reporters after Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans that Sanchez was suffering from "a physical issue" that kept Sanchez from performing his usual kickoff duties. He also indicated that Rodrigo Blakenship would fill in for Sanchez as punter.

“Yeah, (Sanchez) is dealing with a physical issue that we have to get further evaluated,” Reich said after the game. “(Blankenship) did a nice job stepping up. I give Rigo a lot of credit for the way he punted today and for really coming through for us when we needed him the way that he did. Then Rod, when Rigo wasn’t able to kickoff, Rod stepped in there and did a great job.”

The Colts are 7-4 and a game behind the Titans for first place in the AFC South. The teams split their two meetings this season.