Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware will undergo surgery on his troublesome right elbow later this month.

Ware has struggled with an elbow injury for the last two years, playing through the pain and being forced to wear an elbow pad during matches.

However, the 31-year-old admits that it has become too much bear and will have an operation on February 18, although he still expects to take part in most of the off-season training.

"It's been killing me. It's hurt really bad and that's why I would wear an elbow pad to stop from getting it hit but that didn't do much. It would get irritated even when it was barely touched," Ware told reporters.

The seven-time Pro Bowler made a career-low six sacks last season having missed the first three games through injury.