Anthony Spencer, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, will have season-ending microfracture surgery on his knee.
Spencer, a 2012 Pro Bowler, underwent knee surgery on his left leg in July. Since then he has participated in just five practices and one game. Spencer played against the Kansas City Chiefs in week two of this season. The Cowboys will likely place Spencer on injured reserve, and his salary of $10.6 million is guaranteed because the Cowboys put the franchise tag on him, according to SB Nation. Spencer will be a free agent after 2013.
Last year Spencer had the best year of his seven year career. He was the leading tackler and had 106 tackles and 11 sacks, both career highs, according to USA Today . George Selvie is expected to remain the starting defensive end opposite DeMarcus Ware, since Spencer is sidelined.Selvie, who was signed after the start of training camp, has two sacks so far this season. Microfracture surgery repairs cartilage that provides a cushion for bones in knee joints. The recovery time is at least four months but could be career-threatening, notes USA Today.
Spencer is expected to be healthy by January or February of 2014.