Cowboys' Hamlin out 2-4 weeks, Colombo to miss at least six weeks

Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Dallas Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin will be sidelined for 2-to-4 weeks with a high ankle sprain, while right tackle Marc Colombo will miss at least six weeks with a high ankle sprain and fractured fibula.

Alan Ball will likely take over for Hamlin at free safety since he has taken most of the second-team reps. However, Dallas head coach Wade Phillips said that the coaching staff is still discussing personnel decisions. Pat Watkins is another option at free safety for the Cowboys, who were coming off a 17-7 loss to the Packers on Sunday.

As expected, the news was not good for Colombo. Phillips revealed in his Monday press conference that his starting right tackle will have surgery on Monday for his high ankle sprain. The fractured fibula will heal own its own in about six weeks.

Colombo suffered the injury in the first quarter of Sunday's game. Colombo, who had started 57 straight games at right tackle for Dallas, was replaced by third-year player Doug Free.

There is a chance Colombo could return this season if the club makes the playoffs. Dallas is leading the NFC East with a 6-3 mark.