OXNARD, Calif. -- Dallas Cowboys tight end James Hanna will have knee surgery that puts his availability for the Sept. 11 season opener against the New York Giants in jeopardy, according to multiple sources.
Hanna was placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp with a bone bruise. He has sought multiple opinions and has opted for the surgery.
Because the Cowboys put Hanna on the active/PUP list when camp began, he is eligible to be placed on the reserve/PUP list when the final cuts are made. If the Cowboys opt for that route, he would miss the first six games of the season and be able to return Oct. 30 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hanna has developed into a solid No. 2 tight end behind Jason Witten. He signed a three-year deal as a free agent to remain with the Cowboys in the offseason. In four seasons he has 33 catches for 286 yards and has started 29 games.
With Hanna out, that helps the chances of Gavin Escobar and Geoff Swaim of finalizing a spot on the 53-man roster. Escobar is returning from a torn Achilles late last season, while Swaim has had a solid camp, although he dropped two passes in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
Rookie receiver Chris Brown suffered a broken foot in Monday's practice that will require surgery. Brown was taken off the practice field Monday on a cart. Depending on the severity of the surgery, Brown is looking at a recovery period of six to eight weeks, which means he could see his rookie season end before it really begins.