National Football League

Cowboys C Costa carted off field with leg injury

Published Oct. 21, 2012 3:23 p.m. ET

foxsports

Dallas Cowboys starting center Phil Costa has been carted off the field with his right leg in an air cast and will not return against the Carolina Panthers.

He's been replaced by Ryan Cook.

The injury occurred in the second quarter after Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin fumbled downfield and Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly recovered and attempted to return the ball. As the Panthers began blocking for a return, Costa got caught up in the fray of the play's quick change of direction.

Immediately after the play it appeared the injury was a bad one as Panthers receiver Steve Smith came off the sidelines and began calling to trainers to bring on a cart.

Costa started three games this season and all 16 last year for the Cowboys.

---

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL