The Facts: Mathis missed the Texans' workout yesterday and when he wasn’t on the field today, it was revealed that Mathis will likely miss the start of the 2006 regular season. He will undergo surgery Friday to repair the venicular bone in his left foot, a small bone near the top of the foot.

Diehards Line:This is just another problem in a series of setbacks for Mathis since being named to the Pro Bowl following a stellar rookie season. He was in a motorcycle accident a few months back as well, though Gary Kubiak and the training staff said that the accident did not play a role in this latest injury. Mathis has completely healed from his injuries from the motorcycle accident. ... The loss leaves a huge hole to fill in the return game. Receiver Jake Schifino and rookie running back Wali Lundy are among the candidates to fill in.