The last time Jerome Mathis played in a meaningful football game, all he did was return a kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.

That was two long, painful and frustrating years ago, an eternity in the short and cruel world of pro football. But that enforced absence will likely end Saturday night when he returns to the field as a receiver for the Toronto Argonauts.

"I went out with a bang and hopefully I can return with a bang," the former Houston Texans receiver and kick returner said with a laugh yesterday after learning that a shoulder injury to P.K. Sam will likely open the door for his return.

There's a slim chance Sam could play against the B.C. Lions, but it didn't look good yesterday.