Bryant running routes, hopes to play next week
The Dallas Cowboys have high hopes for rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant heading into this season. Many predicted that Bryant would earn the no.2 receiver job in training camp, where he was expected to beat out Roy Williams. Injuries have prevented that from happening but Bryant is progressing towards his return.
Bryant excitedly told coach Wade Phillips that he's ready to start running routes. He has yet to play in the pre-season and fans are getting restless anticipating how much he could contribute.
The rookie out of Oklahoma State ran his first routes since injuring his ankle in July, during the first week of training camp. Bryant will only be running routes for now but he expects to begin fully practising soon and may be ready to play in the Cowboys’ final pre-season game next week against Miami. His goal has remained to return by the season opener against the Washington Redskins.
"If I do good or great," Bryant said. "There's a possibility I might get a couple snaps in next week against Miami. I know for a fact that I'll be ready for Washington. I feel great, I feel fine. If you've been here, you've seen me run. I've been running; I've been doing a lot of good things. So I'll be ready."
Bryant primarily made headlines this training camp when he desisted in following a rite of passage for rookies by refusing to carry Williams’ pads. Bryant later said he was unaware of the tradition and apologized, saying he’d comply with rookie traditions from now on.
The Cowboys’ offence has struggled so far in pre-season as Tony Romo and company have had trouble finding a rhythm. The Cowboys have the highest of expectations this year as their season is regarded as Super Bowl or bust. This is especially true with the Lombardi Trophy being awarded at Cowboys Stadium in February, as the Cowboys will look to win the championship on their home field. The Cowboys will need Dez Bryant to contribute significantly to the offence if that is going to happen.