Barry Church undergoes Achilles surgery

September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
4:05
PM CT
Cowboys safety Barry Church underwent surgery on his torn Achilles on Tuesday morning.

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The surgery ends Church's season, and the Cowboys will place him on injured reserve. The team will have 52 player on its active roster and hopes to sign someone soon.

The Cowboys worked out five defensive players Tuesday: Don Carey, Antwaun Molden, Tyrone Culver, Eric Frampton and Aaron Rouse. If added, they would be expected to contribute on special teams.

Church was injured in the third quarter of Sunday's victory over Tampa Bay and replaced by Mana Silva. With Church out and Gerald Sensabaugh nursing a calf injury, the Cowboys have depth issues at the safety position.

Danny McCray and Silva are the projected starters for Monday night's game against the Chicago Bears. Cornerback Brandon Carr played at the free safety position against Tampa Bay, but it's not certain if he will do so again against the Bears.

The Cowboys have just two healthy safeties on the roster until they either sign another player or Sensabaugh's health improves. Rookie safety Matt Johnson's availability is in doubt because he's dealing with hamstring and back issues.
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

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