National Football League

Lions K Jason Hanson undergoes knee surgery

Published Aug. 3, 2010 8:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson has undergone minor knee surgery but is expected to be back in time for the regular season.

The procedure was performed Tuesday. Hanson underwent a similar procedure last August and was able to return for the first game of the regular season.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he's very optimistic that the 40-year-old Hanson will be on the field Sept. 12 in Chicago.

Hanson has only missed one game since joining the Lions in 1992. He is the franchise's career scoring leader, and hold the NFL record for the most field goals from 50-plus yards.