Updated

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis fell short of his goal of playing in the team's season-opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but it wasn't for a lack of effort.

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Mathis, who tore his Achilles last September, need 10 surgical procedures over the last eight months to prevent infections and make make sure the injury was healing properly.

Mathis was ruled out of the Colts' Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills just prior to the game.

The 34-year-old missed all of last season after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy against performance enhancing drugs and then tearing his Achilles while training for his return.

(h/t ESPN)