The 2002 season of San Francisco 49ers strong safety Tony Parrish, signed last month as an unrestricted free agent, may be jeopardized by surgery last Friday to remove his right testicle, sources close to the four-year veteran confirmed.

San Francisco officials confirmed the surgery, which came after team physicians found a lump in the testicle early last week, but the 49ers said they will have no more statements on Parrish's condition. Parrish will not participate in the team's mini-camp this weekend and it remains uncertain when he will be able to return to the field.

Parrish, 26, will not require radiation or chemotherapy treatments. A source close to him declined to reveal whether the lump was malignant or benign.

"People will be surprised, though, by how quickly he comes back," said the source. "I would not write this guy off for (the 2002) season. He'll be working out in two weeks."

Parrish was to address the Bay Area media later Friday afternoon.

The former University of Washington star signed a five-year contract worth $12.025 million earlier this month, and the deal included a $3 million signing bonus. He is to be the replacement for former starting strong safety Lance Schulters, who signed with Tennessee as a free agent.

A second-round choice of the Bears in the 1998 draft, Parrish was an immediate starter from the first day of training camp. The durable veteran started all 64 games in Chicago and finished his tour there with 329 tackles, eight interceptions, 27 passes defensed and four sacks.

With several other agents to re-sign, and young Mike Green ready to step into the starting lineup in their estimation, Chicago officials decided early in free agency to not attempt to keep Parrish.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.