Tomlinson underwent surgery on his foot after dropping a weight on it Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
Tomlinson was placed on IR earlier Thursday, but the injury was previously undisclosed. The 26-year-old apparently had lacerations on multiple toes and wouldn't have been able to play Sunday against the Patriots, prompting the move. Jordan Leggett should serve as the team's No. 2 tight end in Week 17, and the Jets also signed Clive Walford to bolster their depth at the position.