Pittsburgh Steelers running back will miss at least a month after having surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee.

Although he will miss a month, it's not expected that he will miss any time past that.

"He felt good about what took place when he came out," said head coach Bill Cowher said. "We're hopeful to have him by the opening of the season."

Staley was only able to practice once before he realized something was wrong. An MRI exam on Sunday revealed the tear.

Jerome Bettis will be the starter during the preseason for the time being. If he feels good, there is a good chance that he will be the starter when the season begins. Bettis had thought about retiring before this season, but he decided to stay another year.