In the most recent NFL season, Ray Lewis missed almost 3 months with a torn tricep (surgically repaired) ... and in his first game back, in the playoffs, in his last home game ever, against the franchise that had left his city, led the defense to a win and started a run to a Super Bowl championship.
From wikipedia (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Lewis):
"Lewis tore his triceps on October 14, 2012 during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, and had it surgically repaired three days later. ...
He returned to action for Baltimore's January 6, 2013 game against the Colts and led the defense to a 24-9 playoff win."