Dropping fast in the NFC East standings, the Dallas Cowboys need a win. The team has been hit hard with injuries over the past few weeks as they remain hopeful rest can spark some momentum. They are also hopeful that Week 7 brings the return of some much needed talent as Dez Bryant continues to practice. However, just because owner Jerry Jones believes he is healthy does not mean Bryant will be active this week.
Since suffering a broken foot and undergoing surgery, the Cowboys continued to say that Bryant would return following the bye week. The receiver has been practicing with the team, but his return might not be as fast as originally assumed. According to NFL Media Ian Rapoport, it is unlikely Bryant makes it onto the field in Week 7 against the New York Giants since he has only participated in individual drills and is still unable to make cuts in his routes. However, Jones is operating under the never-say-never policy as he updated the media on Bryant's status.
"We'll take a real good look at him tomorrow and Thursday," Jones said, via the Dallas Morning News. "It totally depends on how he's doing. He had a good end of the week last week. He got in some really good work. He didn't have much negative response from that work. It was strenuous work, the kind that if he can step out here and have a couple of really good days of practice then you could see him go.""
The Cowboys need Bryant. The team has announced Matt Cassel will be starting at quarterback over Brandon Weeden and he certainly needs as many receiving options as possible. With Bryant out, Jason Witten, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley are the top threats. Head coach Jason Garrett has said that Cassel has a good understanding of the offense and could be willing to let it rip a little more than Weeden does.
The run game could also be undergoing changes. According to ESPN Dallas, Christine Michael has been getting plenty of first-team reps as the Cowboys aim to work him into the offense more and more. That could mean Joseph Randle starts the game from the bench. The Cowboys have not stated who will be a starter for the team as Michael, Randle and Darren McFadden work in together. At this point, it might not matter as all three backs have struggled to start the year. Michael could simply be the spark they need.
"He's quick. He's explosive," Garrett said, via ESPN.com. "I think he's proven to be a good runner in college (and) when he's had opportunities in the NFL. Again, we just want to get him into the mix. We'll keep giving Joe opportunities. We'll keep giving Darren opportunities. He's worthy of a chance to play a little bit more."
