Free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens has some significant rehabilitation ahead of him before he will be able to play a 16th season.

Owens has had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in one of his knees, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. The 37-year-old Owens and his agent Drew Rosenhaus did not comment for the report, but the surgery was performed last month by Dr. James Andrews.

With even a fast-tracked recovery of six months, the injury could prevent Owens from playing this season. One source told Mortensen that Owens was injured taping a television show for VH1. Another said he was injured in a personal workout. Whatever the case, he’s not going to be ready for the start of the season, not by a longshot.

Owens was productive for the Cincinnati Bengals last season, catching 72 passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns. He was on a one-year contract with the Bengals.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune