NFL teams
Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 9y

Cofield has torn hip labrum repaired

NFL, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings

Nine-year NFL defensive lineman Barry Cofield underwent surgery this week to repair a torn labrum in his hip, and he expects to return to disruptive form.

Cofield, 30, released by the Washington Redskins last week, told ESPN.com he recently discovered that he played more than a full NFL season with the torn labrum. He underwent double sports hernia surgery last year, and then his groin flared up in training camp, but Cofield was informed those injuries were byproducts of overcompensation for the hip.

Before a high ankle sprain contributed to eight missed games last year, Cofield had played all but one game since 2006. The Cleveland native will likely be considered a viable nose tackle or versatile defensive line option for several teams during free agency. 

"It's been a never-ending saga," Cofield said. "I'm ready to get back to having fun playing. (The doctor) thinks July is a possibility to be up and running. That would put me back on track for training camp."

The Redskins left open the possibility of Cofield returning to the team on a new deal, Cofield said. After originally signing Cofield to a six-year, $36-million deal in 2011, the Redskins saved around $4 million of salary cap by cutting him with the waived/injured designation. The Redskins knew about Cofield's surgical plans.

Cofield said he was "serviceable (last season) while basically playing on one leg." He finished the year with seven tackles and a sack. For his career, Cofield has 206 tackles and 19.5 sacks. He was encouraged by defensive tackle Corey Wootton, who played a full season with Minnesota after undergoing the same surgery.

Cofield wished he had detected the labrum issue sooner but still believes he has three to five productive years left and can play "every position up and down the (defensive) line."

"That versatility should help," Cofield said. "My plan is just to get healthy and get in the best shape I can possibly be in. I feel I can play for any D-line in this league. There's not one roster in this league I can't help."

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