Redskins' Cooley could miss rest of season

Sports Network | October 27, 2009

Ashburn, VA (Sports Network) - Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley could miss the rest of the season because of a broken right ankle he suffered in Monday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Redskins head coach Jim Zorn indicated Tuesday that the injury would take six to eight weeks to heal and that Cooley would likely be placed on injured reserve.

"I don't think we can hold a roster spot, so we'll be looking to bring in a tight end," Zorn said Tuesday.

However, Washington softened that stance later in the day as Cooley has now been scheduled for surgery Wednesday morning with the hope of returning this season. The Redskins still have time to make a roster decision after learning the results of the procedure, as they enter their bye week.

Cooley was hurt on the first play of the second quarter in Monday's 27-17 setback when his ankle seemed to get caught in the field on a pass route. He was later carted to the locker room.

Fred Davis was the main target for quarterback Jason Campbell in Monday's game, catching eight passes for 78 yards with a touchdown. Cooley had just two receptions for 21 yards in his limited action.

"It's going to take two or three guys to pick up the slack," Zorn said about playing without Cooley. "This is what happens when a football team gets injuries."

Cooley is the team's leading receiver with 29 catches this season.

"He's such a good player for us," Zorn added. "He's good for our football team. The loss of him on the field...it's going to be a big loss for us."

Zorn also said Campbell and fullback Mike Sellers each suffered sprained ankles during the contest.