Cowboys: DT Jay Ratliff undergoes surgery; season likely over

Cowboys DT Jay Ratliff had hernia surgery Thursday that will likely end his season. (US Presswire)

Cowboys DT Jay Ratliff underwent hernia surgery in Philadelphia on Thursday, and his frustrating season is all but over.

Ratliff, who is coming off his fourth straight Pro Bowl appearance, has played in just six games this year and none since Nov. 18 against Cleveland.

He's missed the last three games with what was listed as a groin injury.

Ratliff had plantar fasciitis in his foot to start the season and then suffered a high-ankle sprain in preseason that kept him out until the fifth game. He then played six games -- and played well -- before his latest setback.

His frustrations were evident with a reported locker-room altercation with owner Jerry Jones after the Dec. 2 Philadelphia game, a game he was inactive. Ratliff apparently had a face-to-face yelling match with Jones and had to be separated by teammates.

With Ratliff expected to miss the rest of the season, it makes the defensive tackle spot even thinner. Josh Brent has been moved the reserved/non-football illness after his tragic car accident and subsequent arrest.

Sean Lissemore will likely start in the middle with Robert Callaway and newly signed veteran Brian Schaefering will possibly be in the mix.

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