CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charles Johnson never claimed to be Tiger Woods during what has become his annual offseason golf tour, but the Carolina Panthers defensive end does have something in common with golf's former No. 1 player in the world: microdisectomy surgery.
On Tuesday, Carolina's second all-time sack leader had the surgery that is most commonly performed on patients with a herniated disc in the lower back. It is the same surgery that Woods has had twice, so don't look for Johnson to be playing much, if any, golf between now and the start of training camp.
Patients who undergo this procedure often have leg pain that sometimes is diagnosed as hamstring-related.
Johnson, 30, missed seven games during the 2015 season after being put on short-term injured reserve because of a hamstring injury. He also missed three games last season because of a hamstring injury. It's uncertain in Johnson's case if there is a connection between the hamstring issues and the back surgery.
Though microdisectomy surgery has a high success rate, and several NFL players -- including Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski -- have played after having the procedure, Woods is another story.
The winner of 14 majors underwent the procedure a second time in 2015 a year after having it for the first time. He had a follow-up procedure a month later. He continues to have back issues this year.
That doesn't mean Johnson will suffer similar consequences. Romo played 15 games each in 2013 and 2014 after having microdisectomy surgery for a herniated disc that was causing him leg pain.
The Panthers say Johnson will be ready for training camp in late July. Romo had the surgery in December 2013 and was able to participate in light offseason workouts and play in preseason games.
Gronkowski had the surgery in mid-June 2013 and could have been ready for the start of the season if not for an infection in his broken left forearm. However, he has had two more microdisectomy procedures since.
Former NFL lineman Ross Tucker underwent a microdisectomy in April 2005 and was ready to practice with the Buffalo Bills on the first day of training camp. But he was cut at the end of camp and never made another start after starting 12 games in 2004.
"The truth is, it was a full year before I really felt good, and I never felt 100 percent again," Tucker said on SiriusXM Radio in 2013. "I played three years after my surgery, but I was just a little less explosive. I never felt like my back was brand new."
Golfer Graham DeLaet can relate. He said in 2014 he needed a year to fully recover after microdisectomy surgery.
The golf swing puts different pressure on the back than does rushing the passer or taking on a block, so it would be unfair to compare the two.
And each back injury is different, so again there's no fair way to compare the surgeries.
Carolina officials said Johnson's surgery was successful, so he could have a smooth return like Romo did and no future complications. That's the best-case scenario for a player who recently re-signed with a two-year, $8 million deal.
The Panthers also have to consider there could be setbacks, so adding an end in the draft might move up the priority list. There already was a need for a long-term fix at that position with Johnson set to turn 31 in July and Julius Peppers, 37, starting on the other side.
Regardless, Johnson's offseason golf tour and attempt to play like Woods did in his prime indefinitely is suspended.
