IRVING, Texas – He was reluctant to set a definitive timetable, but Cowboys coach Jason Garrett confirmed Monday that Dez Bryant will be sidelined for several weeks with a broken metatarsal.
Bryant injured his foot late in Sunday night’s win against New York and did not return to the action. He’ll undergo surgery on the broken bone, but Garrett was cautious in his wording about when the Cowboys can expect their All-Pro receiver to return.
Reports have varied about a realistic schedule for Bryant’s return, ranging anywhere from four weeks to 12 weeks – which is probably the reasoning behind Garrett’s careful diagnosis. At the very least, it’s safe to say the Cowboys will have to make it work without No. 88 for the next several weeks.
“We certainly are going to miss him, but he’s going to do what’s necessary, have the surgery tomorrow, and be back before we know it,” Garrett said.
“You can’t really replace Dez Bryant. There aren’t Dez Bryants waiting out there on the street,” Garrett said. “He’s a special guy, he’s a unique guy, and we’re going to miss him.”
Garrett was sure to stress the ever-present mantra of “Next Man Up,” as well. Dallas engineered its game-winning drive while Bryant was in the locker room and has no shortage of options of targets – as Tony Romo demonstrated.
One silver lining for the offense is that Bryant’s absence isn’t exactly a new development. He missed the entirety of the offseason program while he negotiated for a long-term contract extension, and he was held out of most of training camp with a hamstring injury. The added reps with Tony Romo should be a benefit for Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley and Devin Street as the Cowboys begin preparations for life without Dez.
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