Kyle Kosier Out Four-to-Six Weeks: How It Affects the Dallas Cowboys

Left guard and backup center Kyle Kosier suffered a sprained MCL in this morning’s practice.  He will be out four-to-six weeks, meaning he will be unable to play in the season opener in Washington (and likely beyond).

The multitude of injuries for the Cowboys, particularly on the offensive line, has become a real concern.  Right tackle Marc Colombo is out two-to-four weeks with a knee injury, and swing tackle Alex Barron is also out with a sprained ankle.

Kosier’s injury, though, may just be the most devastating.  At age 31, Kosier isn’t a pup anymore.  He could realistically be out the full six weeks, meaning he would miss the first three games of the regular season.

Meanwhile, both Colombo and Barron should be back for Week One.  At worst, Barron, an experienced tackle, would be back and ready to fill in for Colombo.

Montrae Holland will step in as the Cowboys’ starting left guard.  Holland has some experience, but he’s an obvious downgrade from Kosier, a player I believe is one of the Cowboys’ most underrated.  I gave him a B in my 2009 Offensive Line Grades, including a B+ in pass protection.  He allowed only one sack all last season.

With the Cowboys’ backup center now likely to miss the first few games of the season, the chance of Phil Costa making the team has increased.  I actually predicted he would make it either way in Version 3.0 of my 53-man roster projections.

An injury to starting center Andre Gurode would be crippling to the Cowboys, as their opening day starters could potentially include just one player from the rather healthy ’09 offensive line (right guard Leonard Davis).