Redskins Injury Update: Cooley To Have Surgery

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

By Christine Gennetti
CSNwashington.com

Monday’s 27-17 loss to the Eagles hurt in more ways than one.  Along with suffering their fifth loss of the season, in full view of their NFL brethren, the Redskins were beset with a rash of injuries. The most crucial was to Pro Bowl TE Chris Cooley, who suffered a broken right ankle on the first play of the second quarter.

Jim Zorn confirmed in his day-after press conference that Cooley has a chip on the bottom part of his tibia, knocking Cooley out at least four weeks. Originally the time frame was thought to be a minimum of six to eight weeks, but a doctor's second opinion shortened the window.

Surgery is in Cooley's immediate future. The two-time Pro Bowler tweeted via his Twitter account that he will get three pins put in his ankle on Wednesday. He also thanked fans "for all the support." Cooley was sporting a cast on his leg and using crutches at Redskins Park on Tuesday.

Regardless of the number of games missed, Cooley's absence will hamper an already anemic Redskins offense.

“It’s just devastating (the loss of Cooley) because he’s such a good player for us all over the field. He’s good for our football team,” said Zorn. “Much like Chris Samuels, he wants to be around and he’s going to want to be involved in what he can. But the loss of him on the field and his fight … he brings the fight to the field. It’s going to be a big loss for us.“

If Cooley isn't able to return in a month, it is possible the Skins will place Cooley on season-ending injured reserve. In the meantime, the staff will start a search for another tight end to help fill the void left by the star player.  Essentially the onus falls on second-year man Fred Davis, who had a career game with 8 catches for 78 yards against the Eagles, and veteran Todd Yoder.

“I thought Fred Davis did a wonderful job yesterday, picking up some of the slack. And now he’s really going to have to really come to play,” commented Zorn. “Todd Yoder’s really going to have to be involved now, and other guys are going have to pick up the slack that Chris leaves by himself.”

In other injury news, Chris Samuels will likely be placed on IR sometimes this week due to his career-threatening neck injury. Linebacker H.B. Blades and cornerback Byron Westbrook both suffered similar knee injuries in the Eagles game. Both will be out for at least a week and maybe more depending on the extent of the damage.

The defensive line got nicked up. Cornelius Griffin has an elbow injury, Phillip Daniels has tendinitis and Albert Haynesworth played through a sprained ankle.

On the offensive side of things, Stephon Heyer stretched a knee ligament and is wearing a brace. He should be ready for the Falcons game. Jason Campbell sprained an ankle that limited his mobility. Clinton Portis continues to be nagged by a sprained ankle and his lead blocker Mike Sellers also sprained his ankle.