Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis has vowed to return to the field for the start of the 2015 season.
The 34-year-old missed the 2014 campaign as he tore his Achilles tendon while working out by himself due to being suspended by the NFL for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy.
Reports suggested that Mathis could be out until November, but he is confident that he will be back at the start of the campaign.
"I said it. I meant it. I'll be back by September," Mathis told WTHR-TV.
"I'm back running. Training and rehab [are in] full swing. I'm ahead of schedule and just trying to stay ahead of it.
"Guys view me as their leader and I'm busting my hump to get back out there with them because it wasn't easy to sit back and watch them play without me."
Mathis has recorded 487 tackles, 111 sacks and one interception in his 12-year NFL career.
