IRVING, Texas — Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman needed a break, but not this kind.
The Cowboys' $11 million rookie fractured the index finger on his left hand in yesterday's 30-13 loss to the New York Giants.
He will undergo surgery today and will be sidelined four to six weeks.
Aikman should be recovered in time to face the Eagles on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, at Texas Stadium.
Aikman suffered his injury while scrambling 8 yards for a first down in the opening quarter. The former UCLA star dived in an attempt to protect himself, but landed heavily on his left hand.
Aikman finished the series, which ended with a 19-yard field goal by Roger Ruzek. Aikman went into the locker room for X-rays and the fracture was discovered. He was replaced by fellow rookie Steve Walsh.
"I thought I could still play," said Aikman, who completed one of six pass attempts for 11 yards. "But the team physicians advised me to come out since I could possibly risk the healing process and my career."
When the injury first occurred, Aikman thought it was a simple dislocation. He asked tackle Kevin Gogan to jerk the finger back into place. Gogan, a 6-7, 310-pounder, gave the finger a good tug but nothing happened.
Nothing good, anyway.
"I gave it a hard pull like he asked," Gogan said. "I sure hope I didn't hurt it more."
The Cowboys, 0-4 and sinking fast, concur.
Aikman struggled in his first three regular-season starts (one touchdown pass, six interceptions), but he still represents the cornerstone of the Cowboys' future.
Walsh completed 13 of 24 attempts for 190 yards yesterday, but he hung several receivers out to dry with high, lazy passes. The former Miami star needs a lot of work.
After the game, coach Jimmy Johnson said the Cowboys would go with Walsh as the starter and veteran Babe Laufenberg as the backup. Johnson said the team had plans to re-sign Steve Pelluer, last year's starter who is a holdout.
