The Cowboys’ offensive line was shorthanded to close out their overtime win in Week 2. That will remain the case for an extended period. 
Center Cooper Beebe suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks is expected, meaning a stint on injured reserve would come as little surprise. Per Rapoport, there is hope Beebe will manage to be back in the fold by the early portion of that range.
A move to IR would ensure at least a four-week absence. The Cowboys are likely to take that route given Beebe’s prognosis. In any case, Brock Hoffman will be counted on to handle starting center duties for several games. Hoffman made a total of nine starts across the 2023 and ’24 campaigns, and the former UDFA is now in position to add to that total.
Beebe was selected in the third round of last year’s draft as a replacement for Tyler Biadasz following his departure on the open market. The Kansas State product immediately took on starting duties and logged over 1,000 snaps (all at center). Beebe finished 15th amongst qualifying centers in term of PFF grade, and expectations were high for an effective follow-up campaign. That could still prove to be possible, but only after a notable period on the sidelines.
Hoffman was retained this offseason in a move which could now prove to be critical given his looming stint as a starter. The 26-year-old is a pending restricted free agent, so an effective run with the first-team offensive line could help his value with the Cowboys next spring (or another team in the event he is non-tendered). Beebe’s rookie contract runs through 2027.
Dallas just made a record-breaking investment in guard Tyler Smith, inking him to a $24MM-per-year extension. He and 2024 first-rounder Tyler Guyton will reprise their roles on the left side of the Cowboys’ offensive line through the coming weeks. That period will not have Beebe available at center, however.