DALLAS Cowboys center Cooper Beebe is facing a frustrating spell on the sidelines after suffering a nasty ankle and foot injury during Sunday’s win over the New York Giants.
The 24-year-old, now in his second year, will be out for six to eight weeks, sources say, although the team is clinging to the hope he could return sooner rather than later.
Beebe has been a lead starter for the Dallas Cowboys and his absence will be a massive blow[/caption]
Veteran Jadeveon Clowney has been signed to strenghten the defensive line[/caption]
Beebe has avoided a dreaded high ankle sprain, but tests on Monday confirmed a lateral sprain and a small bone fracture in his right foot.
The injury was clear after the game, with Beebe’s ankle badly swollen and further scans confirmed the break.
He’s now been placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least the next four games.
If all goes well, Beebe could be back by November 3, when the Cowboys face the Arizona Cardinals.
In the meantime, the Cowboys moved quickly to fill the roster spot, signing veteran Jadeveon Clowney, a three-time Pro Bowler, to bolster their defensive line.
Stepping up in Beebe’s absence is Brock Hoffman, who filled in for the final 16 snaps against the Giants.
Hoffman isn’t new to the pressure, he started multiple games last season at both guard and center.
Hoffman said: “I feel for Coop, you never want to see a teammate go down.
“But I’ve always had the mindset, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. I’m here to ball out and help this team win.”
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer backed Hoffman to deliver on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Schottenheimer said: “He’s a scrapper – gets under defenders’ skin.
“He’s wired the right way. The guys love him. He’s a leader in that room.”
The Cowboys, now riding high after their win over the Giants, will be counting on that next-man-up mentality as they prepare for Chicago.
