One of the most frustrating parts of the Dallas Cowboys' 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants was the loss of starting center Cooper Beebe. Fans suspected from the start that it was a serious issue based on Beebe's reaction and how much help the center needed to get off the field and into the locker room.
It was eventually revealed that Beebe would be heading to injured reserve, meaning that there won't be any return until at least Week 7. It will likely be longer than this, with the timeline for the foot and ankle injury being six to eight weeks.
Beebe's injury has led the Cowboys to search for additional depth, as Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins reported, the team had worked out a trio of offensive linemen on Monday:
- Jacob Bayer, C
- Wesley French, C
- Thomas Perry, G
While Brock Hoffman is expected to assume starting center duties, the Cowboys are working to find any possible depth at a position that has become instantly a concerning question mark after the loss of an important building block.
Cowboys Scrambling to Replace Lost Depth After Frustrating Cooper Beebe Injury Shortens Bench
The Cowboys' biggest issue here is simply looking to replace lost depth with Hoffman being forced to slide into the starting lineup.
Bayer was an undrafted free agent who spent time with the Buffalo Bills before failing to make the final roster. French is the more interesting option, as he has starting experience with the Indianapolis Colts. The Cowboys would at least be adding someone you know is close to capable if Hoffman is struggling or has dealt with an injury himself.
Meanwhile, Perry is a guard who is extremely unlikely to be a fit when it comes to the current Dallas depth concerns.
It's hard to sit back and enjoy last week's overtime win due to the difficult path that lies ahead without Beebe. It seems to be a curse on the franchise that its talented linemen deal with what has felt to be a never-ending line of injuries. This has been a trait often holding the offense back, dating back to the early days of Dak Prescott's career.
Regardless, the Cowboys are making the right decision here, trusting Hoffman while working hard to improve depth until Beebe can return.
Not only is Beebe dealing with an ankle injury, but the 24-year-old center has a slight fracture in his foot that is going to need time to properly heal. Considering Beebe's importance in the seasons to come, there is zero reason for the Cowboys to rush back such an important piece.