"Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard could miss the 2012 season opener after having his left Achilles' tendon surgically repaired on Wednesday.

Howard had a full tear, according to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. His leg will be immobilized for about two weeks. He can begin weight-bearing and strengthening exercises in about a month.

"It's going to be five to six months from surgery before he can play at his accustomed level," Amaro said. "A lot depends on how he recovers and how the surgery takes, but we're talking five to six months.""