The Brian Schottenheimer era is off and running as the Dallas Cowboys picked up a monster overtime win over the Giants on Sunday to pull even at 1-1 after two games. While it was a lot closer of a game than many expected, those types of wins take a lot of soul-searching and mental stamina.
While any victory over a division rival deserves to be celebrated, it arguably offered more concerns than reasons for optimism moving forward. While Dak Prescott was nails in the clutch, and Javonte Williams looks to be a revelation for the ground game, the defense offered less resistance than a wet paper towel.
The Cowboys also got banged up in the win. While KaVontae Turpin seems to have avoided the worst with his neck injury, Cooper Beebe is in rough shape after suffering an ankle injury. Beebe needed crutches in the locker room, with Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram noting that Beebe's ankle was so swollen that it "was basically the size of my head."
Cowboys starting center Cooper Beebe suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 win
The footage of Beebe needing assistance to get to the locker room did not look good. It stands to reason he suffered an ankle sprain. Brian Schottenheimer did not offer an immediate update, but you can all but guarantee that Beebe will undergo an MRI to determine the severity.
A high-ankle sprain sidelined Micah Parsons for four games last season. Those generally come with a 4-8 week recovery timeline. A low-ankle sprain could allow Beebe to play as soon as next week against the Bears, but that is wishful thinking at this juncture. He could barely put any weight on his foot.
A third-round pick last year, Beebe has been as advertised coming out of Kansas State. If you're wondering why you don't hear much about him during games, that's because he's doing his job.
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Outside of the occasional pancake or highlight-reel block, the less you hear about offensive linemen during a game, the better. If they’re getting frequent airtime - like James Hudson on Sunday - it usually means they’re racking up penalties or getting schooled by their matchup.
Beebe is still developing, but he is already a rock-solid center in the league. He allowed just 18 pressures and three sacks in 16 starts as a rookie, per PFF. He's a big reason why the running game has started hot and why Dak Prescott has been kept upright.
The Cowboys have a capable backup in Brock Hoffman, but losing Beebe for a significant period of time would be a big blow to an offense that is absolutely humming.