National Football League

Cowboys' Ratliff unlikely to return

Published Dec. 14, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jay Ratliff is unlikely to play again this season after undergoing sports hernia surgery.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Ratliff had the surgery Thursday in Philadelphia and would be out three to six weeks, meaning he would only have a chance to play if Dallas makes the playoffs.

Garrett said Friday that the club planned to keep Ratliff on the active roster.

Ratliff has played in just six games. He missed the first four with a sprained ankle before a groin injury sidelined him last month.

A three-time Pro Bowl player, Ratliff signed a five-year contract extension in September. He has 25 tackles and 10 quarterback pressures in six games.

The Cowboys play Pittsburgh on Sunday.