New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora needs surgery to repair his painful hip, but for now plans to hold off, reports Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger.

Garafolo reports that Dr. Marc Philippon, the famed Vail, Colorado-based hip specialist who has repaired the torn labrums of Kurt Warner and Alex Rodriguez, has recommended the surgery.

Philippon, Umenyiora, and the Giants' medical staff have agreed to hold off on the procedure because playing with the injury won't cause further damage.

After missing the entire 2008 season with a knee injury, Umenyiora played in all 16 games, posting 7 quarterback sacks. The 6-3, 261-pounder lost his starting job to Mathias Kiwanuka late in the season, which frustrated Umenyiora to the point he openly questioned his future with the club.

The Giants open training camp on Sunday, and Umenyiora's acceptance of a reserve/pass-rush specialist role figures to be one of the storylines of the team's time in Albany.