Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte is expected to be out until at least the summer training camp having undergone surgery on his shoulder at the end of last week.

Conte said that the surgery and the four to five months' recovery time will make sure he has to fight for his place, but is confident that he can return fully fit and fighting.

"I know I'm going to have to compete for my position on this team," Conte told the club's official website. "I am prepared to do that and felt having this surgery was the best way to be 100% healthy and be the best player I can possibly be.

"Whenever you don't have a good season you do some soul searching. You find the reasons why you love the game. Competition is a big part of why I love playing football. I knew they would be bringing in players to compete. It doesn't bother me. It will only make me better."

Conte has made 188 combined tackles in three years with the Bears.