"Colts president Bill Polian understands the contract issues receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive end Robert Mathis have that are keeping them away from this weekend's mandatory minicamp.

But the uncertainty that comes with the last year of the collective bargaining agreement complicates things in a way that makes it sound highly unlikely either player will be getting a new deal.

"We're not in a regular environment, that's the problem," Polian said. "I've spoken to both their agents, and I certainly respect both men and they make a good case. But the problem is we don't have a system, and without a system you don't know where contracts might or might not fit."

With that being the case, Polian said all he can do is ask for patience while Wayne and Mathis continue to perform at a high level. Each has two years remaining on his deal.

Wayne's deal was a six-year package worth $39 million and $12.5 million up front. Mathis got a six-year, $30 million deal with early bonuses totaling $12.1 million.

Would either have a case under the current system?

"I don't speculate on what things might be," Polian said. "They are what they are, that's the only environment in which you can live.""