Brandon Marshall has said that his recovery from hip surgery will continue for the rest of his career.

The Chicago Bears wide receiver underwent his third operation on his hips in four years in January, having had recurring problems during the 2012 NFL season.

The 29-year-old told The AP: "It's one of those things where probably when I'm done [playing], it's going to be one of those things where I'm going to have to stay on it.

"I have to be smart, continue just to rehab throughout the season and throughout the rest of my career. But I'm just thankful that we caught it and it's in a place where it's a non-weight-bearing part of the bone. That's good."

Marshall returned to practice with the Bears yesterday for the first time since his operation.