Chris Cooley Blames Lockout For Injury Woes

Added on Oct 27, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Chris Cooley’s 2011 season came to an end earlier this week when the Redskins placed him on injured reserve. Cooley underwent surgery on a broken left index finger last week, but his surgically repaired left knee appears to be the main culprit in his year being cut short. According to Cooley, the prolonged lockout prevented him from properly rehabbing and contributed heavily to his injury woes.

Cooley had surgery on the knee at the end of the 2010 campaign and has been dealing with pain and swelling for months. He reportedly had it drained over a dozen times since the preseason and was staring at a micro-fracture procedure if he continued to play. However, the two-time Pro Bowl tight end believes not being permitted to work with team doctors and trainers led to him being shut down.

“I think it was a shame that they didn’t let players who had surgery spend time with the doctors and trainers that they trust on a daily basis,” Cooley told the Washington Post. “I wish I could’ve. I think what I went through in July, I could’ve went through in March. I started doing things and it slowly swelled up and I wasn’t here. I can ice it at home and do things at home. … But I’ve never been through it before.”

He was quick not to blame anyone in particular, but not being able to participate in a normal offseason regimen clearly decelerated the healing timetable. Through five games, he managed only eight catches for 65 yards and zero touchdowns.

This will mark the second time in three years Cooley won’t finish the season due to injury; a fractured ankle cost him nine games in 2009. He has seen his numbers drop over the last few seasons. After snagging a career-high eight touchdowns in 2007, he has caught only six since.

The Redskins have seen their offense depleted in recent weeks. Tim Hightower and Kory Lichtensteiger are done for the year, Trent Williams is struggling with a high ankle sprain and Santana Moss will miss at least a month with a broken hand.

Source: NFL.com