Despite sitting out Thursday's preseason opener, Mathis confirmed that he is healthy, David Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Mathis said that he interpreted being told to sit for Thursday's game as a sign of respect. While the Lions have been working on building depth at corner, Mathis' performance in 2014 and play during training camp makes him a lock to start opposite Darius Slay. A 16-game starter last season, Mathis tallied 51 tackles, nine passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble in 2014.

Mathis has signed a two-year deal with the Lions worth $3.5 million, mlive.com reports.

Mathis, who turns 35 in August, will return to the Lions following a 2014 campaign in which he notched 51 tackles and a pick. In his third season with the team, look for Mathis to reprise his starting cornerback role opposite Darius Slay.

Lions CB Rashean Mathis is the favorite to start a cornerback following the release of free agent CB Chris Houston.

Mathis had a renaissance in 2013, starting 13 games for Detroit and grading out as 27th best cornerback in the league according to Pro Football Focus. It is hard not to predict some regression as Mathis enters his age-34 season, but for now he looks safe atop the Lions' depth chart.

Lions agreed to terms with CB Rashean Mathis on a one-year contract.

Lions CB Rashean Mathis exited Sunday's Week 6 game against the Browns with a groin injury.

Mathis suffered the injury in the second quarter and is questionable to return. Rookie Darius Slay has replaced him in the starting lineup.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz is now denying RCB Rashean Mathis suffered a Week 4 concussion.

The Lions seem to care about concussion disclosure less than any team in the league. Mathis suffered the first-half head injury Sunday against the Bears, and was ruled out at halftime. On Monday, Schwartz insisted Mathis is "not having any symptoms. Sometimes you see some delayed stuff. ... None of that's been the case with Rashean." It appears Mathis will be cleared to play in Week 5.

Lions CB Rashean Mathis was forced from Sunday's game against the Bears with a concussion, and will not return.

Mathis went down in the first half, and was ruled out after halftime. Shaky rookie Darius Slay is now in the game for the Lions.

Lions CB Rashean Mathis is expected to start ahead of rookie Darius Slay this week against the Redskins.

Slay started each of the first two weeks, but was worked by Jerome Simpson in Week 1. The second-rounder was benched by the team in both games. Per Pro Football Focus, Mathis has allowed just four catches for 21 yards on ten targets. He looks to be finally recovered from a 2011 torn ACL.

New Lions CB Rashean Mathis has been getting first-team reps in the slot, and also taking snaps at safety.

"We value versatility," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He's a very experienced player and a very savvy player. It showed in his ability to pick things up quickly and be able to get him on the field." Second-year CB Bill Bentley was thought to be locked in at nickel back, but that's apparently not the case. Mathis could do his roster chances a world of good by showing well against Tom Brady in Thursday's regular season dress rehearsal.

Lions signed CB Rashean Mathis, formerly of the Jaguars.

The Lions have been steadily adding veterans over the last couple of days. Mathis, 33 later this month, fell off a cliff last season and didn't appear to be 100 percent recovered from his 2011 torn ACL. The one-time Pro Bowler isn't going to contend for a starting job in Detroit, but he could prove to be a solid veteran presence if his knee doesn't give him any trouble.

Free agent CB Rashean Mathis will visit the Lions on Saturday.

The Lions have been trying to mix and match with Ron Bartell and a host of first- and second-year players opposite Chris Houston, but apparently don't like what they've seen. Mathis, meanwhile, appeared to lose multiple steps last season. He had drawn no known interest since the start of free agency. He wouldn't be a major upgrade on the Lions' young guns.

The Jaguars will not offer free agent CB Rashean Mathis a new contract.

"It was a difficult decision because he's done so many things not only for the team but the community," GM Dave Caldwell said. Mathis has spent his entire 10-year career with the Jaguars, but hasn't been the same since tearing his ACL in November 2011. Just four of his 12 appearances last season were starts. He should latch on somewhere as veteran depth, but won't be guaranteed a roster spot.

Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times Union believes free agent CB Rashean Mathis began to "look very old last year."

In Mathis' defense, he was returning from a torn ACL at age 32. Mathis will be 33 before the 2013 season, however, and his free-agent market may be cold after a poor season of game tape. Pro Football Focus graded Mathis 76th among 113 qualifying corners. He is not expected to re-up with Jacksonville.

The Florida Times Union says impending free agent CB Rashean Mathis is "unlikely" to be back with the Jaguars.

Mathis, 33 at the start of next season, started just four games in 2012 and was mostly a reserve behind Derek Cox and a combination of Aaron Ross, William Middleton, and Mike Harris. Coming off a torn ACL in 2011, Mathis just seemed to lose a step or two. He'll likely have to settle for a one-year deal on the open market.

Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis played on just 8-of-65 defensive snaps in the Jaguars' Week 13 loss to the Bills.

The usage led to speculation that the Jags are phasing Mathis out as they evaluate younger players. The 32-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He wants a chance to prove his health before hitting the open market. "I have the ability," Mathis said. "That hasn't gone anywhere. Coming back from an ACL, I showed them I have the ability. That's not a question."

Jaguars LCB Rashean Mathis (groin) did not participate in practice on Monday.

Mathis has missed the last two weeks with the injury, and it doesn't look promising for him to suit up this Thursday night against the Colts. Aaron Ross has filled in opposite Derek Cox with Mike Harris taking over nickel duties in Mathis' absence. Jacksonville ranks No. 25 against the pass.

Jaguars declared CB Rashean Mathis, WR Anthony Armstrong, RBs Maurice Jones-Drew and Montell Owens, FB Greg Jones, S Dwight Lowery, and DL Jeris Pendleton inactive for Week 9 against the Lions.

Aaron Ross will get the start at LCB in place of Mathis, who is sidelined with a groin injury. Jones-Drew is still out with a foot injury, and Jones has a hip issue. Armstrong was just acquired off waivers from the Dolphins this past week.

Raiders LCB Rashean Mathis (groin) has been ruled out for Week 9.

Mathis also missed Week 8. The Jaguars were able to contain Green Bay's passing attack by dropping seven defenders into coverage last week, but that strategy will face another stiff test Sunday against a Lions offense that's seemingly found its groove. Jaguars RCB Derek Cox (back) is listed as questionable.

Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis left Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Raiders with a groin injury.

Mathis left in the third quarter and was unable to return. He was replaced in base formations by Aaron Ross, leaving rookie Mike Harris as the nickel back. Mathis does think he'll be able to play in next week's game against the Packers.

Still not quite 100 percent recovered from ACL surgery, Rashean Mathis is expected to open the season as the Jaguars' nickel corner.

Mathis feels a "big difference" from where he was two weeks ago, but he's still regaining strength. Aaron Ross will start at one corner, with Derek Cox on the other side as long as his hamstring injury comes around by the opener. If not, Will Middleton will step in.