The Dallas Cowboys had expressed optimism that Dez Bryant could return in Week 7 from a broken foot. However, the star receiver declared Sunday that his return won't have to hinge upon his foot being 100 percent recovered.
Dez Bryant won’t have to be 100 percent before returning to Cowboys, fantasy lineups
Dez Bryant’s return from a broken foot looms closer. We break down the fantasy implications.
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According to Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News, Bryant came out of pregame warmups with no setbacks after catching passes, running and making leaping efforts to come down with the ball. Bryant had also run and cut at full speed during practices earlier in the week, indicating that if he isn’t yet at 100 percent, he is close.
Via Dallas Morning News:
“I don’t honestly think that it has to be all the way 100 percent for me to get back on the field,” [Bryant] said. “That’s my choice, we’re going to see about it. If I can go, I’m going to go.”
Fantasy impact: Even with the Cowboys 1.5 games behind in the standings, it's easy to see why the team and Bryant are anxious for his return. The Cowboys have lost four consecutive games, and their attempts to recalibrate the offense over their Week 6 bye fell short, suggesting Bryant's return could be the only boost they can muster before Tony Romo suits up again.
If Bryant plays Week 8, he will have one of the worst matchups possible against an elite Seattle Seahawks secondary. Bryant is still talented enough to overcome any matchup, but it's fair to wonder if he would be able to do that at less than 100 percent. Fantasy owners must monitor practice reports throughout the week, because at full capacity, Bryant is a no-brainer WR1.
