Cooley likely lost for season
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
October 26, 2009
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| Redskins tight end Chris Cooley sits on the ground after injuring his ankle during the second quarter Monday night at FedEx Field. Cooley may be lost for the season with the injury. (AP) |
It’s hard to believe, but it did get worse for the Redskins. They not only lost to Philadelphia, but it now appears tight end Chris Cooley will miss the rest of the season after breaking the tibia bone in his right ankle.
Cooley suffered the injury in the second quarter of Monday’s 27-17 loss to Philadelphia. Cooley has never missed a game in his NFL career, having played in 87 straight since joining the Redskins in 2004. But that streak is over.
Coach Jim Zorn said he wasn’t sure if Cooley was done for the season, but teammates said Cooley had told them he was.
“When it rains it pours,” center Casey Rabach said. “We keep on taking hits on offense.”
That’s the third major injury on offense this year, with right guard Randy Thomas and left tackle Chris Samuels both out for the season.
Cooley made the Pro Bowl the past two seasons.
“He’s like a possession receiver for a quarterback,” Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell said. “When he gets double coverage, he knows how to [get open].”
“It’s Chris, you don’t expect him to get hurt,” said backup tight end Fred Davis, who caught eight passes for 78 yards and a touchdown Monday. “I want to go out and play like I did at USC. ... Me and him are similar. We both can get the ball and we try to make you miss.”
Cooley provided Campbell a security blanket, especially in crucial situations. Davis told him in the huddle he could rely on him, not to believe what had been said about the so-far unproductive tight end. Davis responded, but losing Cooley still stings.
“It’s a difficult situation to deal with,” said backup tight end Todd Yoder.
jkeim@washingtonexaminer.com
