Montana May Need Surgery, Career in Jeopardy

Quarterback Joe Montana was told Monday he might need surgery for a torn elbow tendon and, for the first time, the San Francisco 49er team doctor raised the possibility the injury could end Montana’s career.

Montana has been on injured reserve since the start of the season and hasn’t thrown a pass in more than a month. It is all but certain that he will sit out more than the first four games of the season, as originally projected.

If an operation is required, Montana is expected to be sidelined eight to 16 weeks.

Dr. Michael Dillingham said he met with Montana and brought up the possibility of the surgery. “The program at this point is rehabilitation and if that ceases to make progress . . . to seriously consider a surgical approach,” he said.