<p>Detroit Lions linebacker Boss Bailey will miss much of the season while recovering from knee surgery.</p><p>Bailey, who played college football at Georgia, injured his right knee in an Aug. 3 practice. While he underwent arthroscopic surgery Wednesday in Athens, Ga., the surgeon discovered torn cartilage that had not shown up on an MRI.</p><p>"The damage was worse than anyone had realized from the tests," Lions coach Steve Mariucci said. "The doctor immediately repaired it, but Boss will be off the knee for several weeks, and then will be looking at a rehab period on top of that."</p><p>Mariucci declined to put a timetable on Bailey's return, but said the Lions hope to have him back this season.</p><p>As a rookie in 2003, Bailey won a starting job at outside linebacker and was among the team's leaders in defensive snaps played. He finished with one interception and 1.5 sacks.</p><p>Donte Curry is expected to replace Bailey in the lineup.</p>
