By Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

December 10, 2009, 11:46AM

Saints cornerback Jabari Greer had surgery Tuesday to repair a sports hernia, but the Saints are hoping he’ll be back in time for the playoffs, Coach Sean Payton confirmed.

Greer’s injury was originally diagnosed as a groin problem, but when he tried to return to practice the last two weeks, it was discovered that he had a sports hernia issue as well. The team decided that if he had the surgery now with Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia that he would have a better chance of being fully healed for the playoffs.

The Saints have had a rash of sports hernia injuries in the last two years. Last year, tight end Jeremy Shockey had surgery performed by Dr. Meyers and missed three games. But he wasn’t quite 100 percent when he came back, and the injury remained a nagging problem.

Defensive end Will Smith played through a sports hernia injury all last season, then had surgery in January. Left tackle Jammal Brown had surgery in August to repair a sports hernia, but he also had surgery on a lingering hip injury that landed him on injured reserve.

Greer could be back in time for the regular season finale at Carolina if the Saints want to get him some live work, but more likely he will remain sidelined until their playoff opener. With just one more victory, the Saints will be guaranteed a first-round bye in the playoffs.

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