49ers center Eric Heitmann is expected to miss his second season in a row after undergoing recent neck surgery. Dr. Robert Watkins, an orthopedic spine surgeon in Marina del Rey, performed the surgery to repair a ruptured disk approximately four weeks ago, according to the player's agent. "The bottom line is that he feels much better, and the pain has dissipated," agent Kenny Zuckerman said. "The tingling has decreased, and his hopes are to play as soon as he's cleared." This type of surgery generally takes approximately six months from which to recover, Zuckerman said. Therefore, it appears unlikely Heitmann will play this season.

49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree is still being slowed by a left foot injury. Crabtree was on hand for a recent informal workout, but did not go through a full practice because of lingering concerns about his foot. He attended the team's previous minicamp but only took part in the June 6 practice. According to teammate Josh Morgan, Crabtree suffered sore feet during that Monday session after practicing in new shoes.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may need surgery to repair the foot injury that hampered him last season. Roethlisberger said his right foot bothered him so much last season "there were times during practice and games where I didn't feel like I'd be able to walk." The lockout has allowed him to rest and the foot has nearly fully healed. "I could have had surgery, but according to the doctors it would have been a really nasty process because of where the break was," Roethlisberger said. "It was better off trying not to do anything. It's going to be something where we're just going to have to, in essence, play it by ear. "If it continues to be as painful as it was at the end of last year, then I'm going to probably have to have the surgery."

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has yet to begin throwing the football since his most recent neck procedure. Manning had the procedure on May 23. "It's coming up on three weeks since Manning went under the knife. It's not a big concern that he has yet to resume throwing," writes The Indianapolis Star.

Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin, who missed two games and numerous practices last season as he continued to deal with migraine headaches, says he is feeling good. "I'm just waiting to get back out there on the field, just getting real anxious right now," Harvin told KELO-TV. "We are just playing this waiting game [with the lockout]. As far as my health, I'm fine, 100 percent, in the best shape of my life. I'll be ready to go."

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski on Thursday gave a positive report on his rehab from a torn right quad that sidelined him for half of the 2010 season. "Each week is better and better and better," Gostkowski, who kicks with his right leg, said at the team's "Community MVP" event at Gillette Stadium. "It's very encouraging and I feel very happy with where I'm at right now. I'm just going to work hard to be ready by camp."