Shoulder surgery looming for Jared Allen

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen has surgery in his future.

After his team was eliminated from the playoffs Saturday night at Lambeau Field, Allen said he would have surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his shoulder. Allen played the entire season with the injury after it was discovered too late to have it corrected without a major disruption.

He still led the defense with 12 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl trip, one he intends to take.

“I played the whole year,” Allen said, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “I'm going to enjoy the Pro Bowl. I figure I'll at least get some warm weather and a pseudo-free vacation.”

This will be the first time Allen, 30, has undergone surgery in his playing career.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune