Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller will remain in hospital after undergoing emergency surgery on his leg after a gruesome knee dislocation, his team said in a statement on Monday.

The 33-year-old went under the knife at University Medical Center in New Orleans after suffering a horrific injury during the Bears' 20-12 defeat to the Saints on Sunday.

ESPN reported on Monday that Miller risked losing his left leg following the injury, which a source described as "more significant" than a regular dislocation.

The Bears said Miller had torn the popliteal artery in his knee, a continuation of the femoral artery.

"During our game at the New Orleans Saints yesterday, TE Zach Miller sustained a serious injury to his left knee and immediate evaluation from our medical team on site rushed him to nearby University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC) for urgent vascular surgery to repair a torn popliteal artery," the Bears said in a statement.

"Successful surgery was performed immediately on Sunday by the UMC vascular surgeons to stabilize his injury.

"Zach remains at UMC, along with Bears medical personnel, where he will stay under further evaluation. We are thinking of Zach and his family and support from our entire organization goes out to them."

Miller was taken from the field in a cart after he attempted a touchdown catch in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with him," Bears coach John Fox said of Miller after the game.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Miller has 20 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns in eight games this season.

source: AFP