Jerome

Mathis

Mathis, a Pro Bowler who injured his foot in an offseason motorcycle wreck, is on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Mathis is out indefinitely after being injured in a motorcycle accident in April. He’s currently on the PUP list.

He will undergo surgery on Friday. Mathis was involved in a motorcycle accident in March, but had been back to practice in the meantime. He will be off his feet completly for eight weeks. WR Jake Schifino and rookie RB Wali Lundy are candidates to help on returns.

Unless the team had everyone sign new forms, we’re not sure how their ban would hold up legally. Mathis, recovering from unrelated foot injury, may not be healthy until October.

The Texans may consider placing Mathis on the Physically-Unable-To-Perform (PUP) list to start the season. Mathis had an outside chance at being Houston’s third receiver, but that role should go to Kevin Walter or Derick Armstrong now.

He should be 100% by training camp. The Texans would love if he climbed to a useful No. 3 or No. 4 receiver in addition to his return duties.

“As we go along, you’re going to see Jerome become more and more involved on both special teams and offense,” coach Dom Capers said. “He’s got speed and playmaking ability. There’s no question that we’ve got to find a way to mix a big play or two in there. That’s the way you score points.”

Mathis had four returns of at least 35 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown. “In my opinion, today he could have had three,” special-teams coach Joe Marciano said. “He was so close to scoring three touchdowns.”

It was Mathis’ first touchdown of his rookie season. He made a nice catch amid double coverage to give the Texans their first lead of any game this season.

Mathis worked out a little before yesterday’s game, but lacked the burst the coaching staff wanted to see. He’ll be limited during practice this week.