Cowboys concerned LB Anthony Hitchens may have torn ACL

The Dallas Cowboys aren’t optimistic about the initial diagnosis on linebacker Anthony Hitchens.

Hitchens may have torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, which would likely mean his season is over.

“I don’t want to go there. All I know, though, is I don’t like the way it sounds,” owner Jerry Jones said. “They’ll take a look at it again　tomorrow. If it were going to put him down, it’d be an ACL tear. I’m Dr. Jones reserving opinion on this. I didn’t see anything. They just told me they wanted to look at it tomorrow.”

If Hitchens is lost for the season or an extended period of time, it’s a significant blow to the Cowboys defense.

Hitchens started every game last year and was credited with 104 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss and 5 quarterback pressures. He has played in every game of his three-year career, starting 36 of 48 games.

“Such an incredibly important player for us. I’ve said he’s one of the most underrated linebackers in the NFL,” linebacker Sean Lee said. “Really having an unbelievable camp, coming into his own, so we’re praying for him. No matter what we know whenever he’s back, he’ll be back. He’ll be great. We’re praying for him, hoping for the best.”

Hitchens sustained the injury with 19 seconds left in the first half. He’ll undergo additional testing on Sunday.

If Hitchens is sidelined, the Cowboys have different options to make up for his absence. Jaylon Smith could see more action, although the Cowboys are trying to be deliberate in his first season back from a severe knee injury.

Veteran Justin Durant is another option, but has yet to play this preseason.

“We’ve brought Durant along slow,” Jones said. “And just wanted him to get in shape, get him healthy. He came to camp in better shape than any time we’ve seen him. And, so, he’s ready to go. I’m glad he’s ready to go too. And we’ve got a couple of young guys here that we’ll give a shot at this. So, we’ll take a look at that if in fact it turns out to be the rest of the season.”

For now, though, the Cowboys simply feel for Hitchens.

As tight end Jason Witten said, “You hate it for Hitch. The guy has had an unbelievable offseason. I told him a couple weeks ago, I really do, I feel like his improvement, he’s so tough to go against. He does everything you want in a teammate and player. He’s tough. He’s nasty. He’s smart.

“You just hate it for him because you know how much you pour into it. So you feel bad for him, know that he’ll bounce back, but certainly our team, we’ve rallied behind and guys will step up. Good to have a veteran like Durant in there, Jaylon getting back healthy. But it’s a blow for our football team. We’ll have to bounce back. I’m certain we will.”

This story was originally published August 27, 2017 at 12:27 AM with the headline "Cowboys concerned LB Anthony Hitchens may have torn ACL."