Justin Smith is likely to miss three months while recovering from triceps surgery, it has been reported.
The San Francisco 49ers defensive end partially tore the muscle in December, but played through the injury during the post-season.
The 33-year-old is due to undergo surgery this week, with Comcast SportsNet Bay Area reporting that Smith faces three months on the sidelines.
Smith is expected to make a full recovery from the injury, and be ready for training camp for the 2013 NFL season.