Johnny Jolly underwent single fusion neck surgery on Jan. 10 to repair a bulging disc, ESPN.com reports.

Jolly underwent single fusion neck surgery on Jan. 10 to repair a bulging disc, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

The report further clarifies that the procedure was done to address a bulging disc between Jolly's C-5 and C-6 vertebrae, while suggesting that such a surgery is easier to rebound from than fusions performed higher in the neck. In any case, the report indicates that the defensive lineman expects to be able to play this coming season. With that in mind, Jolly is scheduled for an MRI on March 11, which is also the first day of NFL free agency.