"Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said it's not yet known if tight end Chris Cooley's balky left knee will require surgery, but the coach remains hopeful that the eighth-year pro can make a full recovery and return to action for his team next season.

The Redskins on Tuesday placed Cooley on injured reserve, ending his season a week after he had surgery to repair a broken left index finger and a day after he had the knee examined by renowned orthopedic surgeon James Andrews.

"[Andrews is] the expert in that area and he thought it was in the best interest of Chris to go on IR, give it a little rest. Obviously he took the doctor's advice, and we agreed with it," Shanahan said."