Jeremy Newberry's comeback from chronic knee problems took a major setback Saturday when it was determined the San Francisco 49ers center will be lost for the season because he needs surgery.
Newberry, who has missed 20 games over the past two seasons, will need a microfracture surgery. Niners coach Mike Nolan announced Saturday that Newberry will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list.
Newberry will have two knees that will have undergone microfracture surgery. A two-time Pro Bowler, Newberry, 30, could be facing the end of his 49ers career because of the knee problems.
Nolan didn't want to speculate on Newberry's long-term future.
"I know it's going to drive him onto the IR," Nolan said. "Jeremy has been a true warrior. He's fought through a lot of pain."
David Baas will take over as the starting center.
John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.