As a rookie, he earned his first career start at left guard in place of the injured Kosier and Montrae Holland, in the seventh game of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
[1] After contract restructuring negotiations fell through, Gurode was cut before the fourth preseason game and Costa became the starting center for the year.
In 2012, the Cowboys signed free agents guards Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings to help protect Costa against stronger defensive fronts.
In the next game against the Carolina Panthers, he suffered a dislocated ankle and was eventually placed on the injured reserve list on December 5, after playing only six quarters in the season.
[3] Looking to improve the center position, the Cowboys selected Travis Frederick in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft and moved Costa to a backup role during training camp.