Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant will have surgery on his ankle and foot this week after finishing the season on injured reserve with multiple injuries. Bryant missed most of the season for the Cowboys after having foot surgery and the team is hoping that Bryant will be healthy when the offseason program starts.
The Cowboys dealt with numerous injuries to key players this season with Bryant and Tony Romo missing extensive amounts of time. Romo dealt with a collarbone injury, while Bryant had foot surgery early in the season and while he was able to come back, the wideout dealt with lingering issues and finished the season on IR. According to Pro Football Talk, Bryant is undergoing surgery in New York on Wednesday, getting a bone graft on his foot and a "cleanup procedure" on his ankle.
Bryant was expected to have surgery in the offseason and after the Week 17 game against the Redskins, owner Jerry Jones said to the media that Bryant should be ready for the offseason program after he recovers. Bryant played in just nine games this season and finished with 31 catches for 401 yards and three touchdowns for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys injury issues led to the team finishing just 4-12 and that has put the team in position for a top five pick in the NFL draft. The Cowboys are picking fourth overall and the team has numerous avenues they can explore with that pick. Many in the media have speculated that the team could go after a quarterback to develop behind Tony Romo, but the Cowboys also have needs at some other important positions.
Bryant's injuries could spark interest in a player like Laquon Treadwell, who is one of the top receivers in the draft class, or they could consider a running back like Ezekiel Elliott. The team allowed DeMarco Murray to leave in free agency last offseason and while Darren McFadden had a solid year for Dallas, the team may want to add some depth and youth at the position. Joey Bosa is an option for the defensive side of the ball, as the Ohio State star is expected to be a top five pick and could be a target if he slips past the Titans, Browns and Chargers in the draft.
Treadwell could be a solid fit to play alongside Bryant and could be the number one WR of the future for the Cowboys. Treadwell is considered to be one of the best players in the draft after putting up 82 catches for 1153 yards and 11 scores for Ole Miss this season. Elliott is another potential offensive option for the Cowboys, as he comes in after a big season with Ohio State, rushing for over 1800 yards for the second straight season and scored 23 touchdowns, giving him 43 for his college career.
