Johnson gone for the season

Cowboys rookie center Al Johnson underwent surgery on his right knee and is likely out for the season.

Johnson injured his knee last Saturday in a practice against the Houston Texans. Initially, trainers thought it was a sprain, but an MRI showed an injury to his meniscus. They scheduled exploratory surgery to determine the extent of the injury, but once inside they discovered a more degeneration of the cartilage.

Microfracture surgery attempts to regenerate cartilage growth. Johnson faces four to six months of rehabilitation.

The Cowboys suffered numerous injuries to the offensive line last season. They started 10 different starting-five rotations in 2002. This season had been significantly healthier until Johnson’s injury.

To fill his spot, the Cowboys signed center/guard Gerrano DiNapoli, who started all 16 games with the Titans last season, DiNapoli, a five-year veteran, will likely become the starter once he learns the offense.