Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson has had to have surgery on an ankle injury, the team have confirmed.
It is hoped that Goldson will return for training camp in July, but there is no set timetable at present.
The 29-year-old will earn $9m (£5.3m) this season, having signed a contract extension last term, and it is believed that he will be auditioning for his future role with the franchise with new coach Lovie Smith now at the helm.
Goldson missed three games last season, with two due to a knee injury and the other for an illegal hit.
