Tight end has issues with finger, left knee Chris Cooley was relaxed, upbeat and smiling last Friday. He knew he’d miss a month, but he figured it would give his knee a chance to rest. Then he’d return for a strong finish.
It was a stark contrast to when he was hurt two years ago and missed the final nine games, calling it a “surreal” experience.
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“I’m more optimistic missing time this season because I know I’m not out for the season,” he said.
But he is now. And now it’s fair to wonder if there should even be any optimism for his future in Washington.
The Redskins placed Cooley on the injured reserve list, ending his season and perhaps his career in Washington. He shattered a bone in his left index finger in the Oct. 16 loss to Philadelphia, an injury that was going to sideline him for at least a month.
But he continued to have issues with his left knee and needed it drained often since camp opened in late July. On Friday, he said the joint was inflamed and that he would visit with team orthopedist, Dr. James Andrews, on Sunday in Carolina. Cooley underwent an MRI on Monday.
The Redskins also placed running back Tim Hightower on injured reserve. They still haven’t made corresponding roster moves. They could opt to promote rookie running back Evan Royster from the practice squad. They also might need a roster spot to activate safety Kareem Moore off the physically unable to perform list. He’s expected to start practicing this week.
The wildly popular Cooley will count approximately $6 million against the salary cap in 2012, with a base salary of $3.8 million. Cooley, whose contract expires in 2013, turns 30 in July and with Fred Davis emerging, Cooley could be expendable. They also have Logan Paulsen. Cooley showed he could play fullback, too, and is still a capable player — he caught 77 passes a year ago. But at what cost? Cooley has long spoken of his desire to only play for the Redskins. He’s become entrenched in the community and his wife is from the area.
Cooley is fifth on the franchise’s all-time receptions list with 428, which is the most by a Redskins tight end.
“That’s something I’ll look back on,” he said last month.
He’s ninth in receiving yards (4,703) and touchdowns (33). He’s appeared in 108 games with 101 starts since joining the Redskins as a third-round pick in 2004.
The Redskins have now placed three starters on IR, as guard Kory Lichtensteiger went on there last week. Also, receiver Santana Moss will miss five to seven weeks with a broken bone in his hand and linebacker London Fletcher has a bad hamstring, though it’s uncertain how much time he’ll miss. And safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is nursing a sore knee.
It’s difficult to carry that many players who could miss multiple weeks.
