The 25-year-old backman was subbed out of Friday night's 20-point loss to Geelong at Simmonds Stadium with the injury, which occurred in the second quarter.
The Kangaroos confirmed on Saturday it was likely the former Brisbane Lion and Gold Coast player would need surgery on his right pectoral, as Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson and Western Bulldog Tory Dickson have in the past two weeks.
The expected recovery time for the injury is between 10 and 12 weeks.
Gibson sustained the unusual injury on his left side against the Sydney Swans a fortnight ago but wasn't aware of the severity.
He flew to the United States for a brief holiday over the Hawks' bye thinking he had a corked shoulder.
It was diagnosed as a torn tendon when he returned and the premiership player underwent surgery last Thursday.
Tippett was picked up by the Roos in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft after spending time with the Lions (2007-09) and the Suns (2011).
He has played four senior games this year after being elevated to the senior list for Tom Curren in March.
Friday night was his sixth career game.
Twitter: @AFL_JenPhelan
