Cowboys OL Brock Hoffman ready to step up to replace injured center Cooper Beebe

With Cooper Beebe out six to eight weeks, the Cowboys are relying on Brock Hoffman to replace him without a hitch.

Jul 22, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; A general overall view as Dallas Cowboys center Brock Hoffman snaps the ball at the line of scrimmage during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys suffered a major loss in Week 2 when starting center Cooper Beebe was sidelined with an ankle injury. His six-to-eight week recovery timeline means Dallas needs a long-term replacement – enter Brock Hoffman.

Hoffman is very familiar with stepping up to the plate for an injured teammate. Just last season he started seven games in place of All-Pro guard Zack Martin. The former undrafted free agent told reporters this week that he's ready for the challenge.

"Obviously, I feel for Beebe getting hurt," Hoffman said. "But we've definitely prepared. It sucks, but it's the game of football. There's injuries that happen all the time. 
Obviously, like last year with Zack [Martin], stepping in for him, so when you're in that kind of backup role, swing role, it's just coming in, doing your job each and every day — be ready to play multiple positions and do whatever it takes to help this team win."

MORE: Cooper Beebe injury update is devastating news for Dallas Cowboys offensive line

Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Brock Hoffman (67) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons. | Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Nerves don't seem to be an issue for Hoffman despite the huge expectations now sitting on his shoulders. He'll be playing beside three former first-round draft picks in Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker, and that thought has him excited for Sunday.

"I'm excited, and it makes me smile a little bit," he said. "I'm definitely ready for this group to get out there Sunday [against the Chicago Bears] and really go after these guys, obviously. As a unit, we just want to be physical, do our job, make sure we're on the same page, and have fun."

MORE: Updated Dallas Cowboys depth chart released ahead of Week 3 vs Bears

Aug 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Brock Hoffman (67) against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Though Hoffman's experience starting in the league has primarily been at guard, he has a longer history of playing center. The former Virginia Tech standout will be backed up by TJ Bass, and Tyler Booker has taken practice snaps at center this week as well, just in case.

"I guess I would say it's my natural position throughout, you know, playing football in the younger days has been center," he said. "But as I've gotten into the league, I've played more guard, right? So it's just making sure me and the rest of the O-line are on the same page in how we're seeing things, and obviously me and Dak to be ready."

The Cowboys kick off against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

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