The Indianapolis Colts placed defensive lineman Corey Simon on the non-football illness/injury list on Thursday, according to the club.

Team president Bill Polian said in a statement on Thursday that: "We have placed Corey Simon on the NFL non-football illness/injury list. In deference to Corey's privacy and in compliance with federal medical privacy laws."

Polian said the team reached the decision reluctantly and only after extensive tests were run by their medical staff and many outside medical specialists. "Fortunately, Corey has shown some improvement in recent days, but none of the medical personnel we consulted believe he can safely return to football in the near future," said Polian.

"Corey now can devote himself to a complete and unhurried recovery. Our fervent hope is he will be ready to return to the field next season," Polian added.

Simon signed with the Colts last season after being cut by the Philadelphia Eagles before the campaign started. He played in 13 games last year with Indianapolis and registered 34 tackles with no sacks.

The seven-year veteran has posted 32 sacks over his career with 245 tackles in 91 games with the Eagles and Colts.

Source: Xinhua