Cowboys’ timeline for Dez Bryant hasn’t changed despite bone graft

PHILADELPHIA The Cowboys remain hopeful Dez Bryant can return for their Oct. 25 game against the New York Giants, according to sources. It’s the reason they didn’t put the star receiver on injured reserve designated for return, giving him a six-week timeline to get back from his fractured foot.

“I think you’re always trying to assess how long a player is going to be out and the value of that guy,” coach Jason Garrett said Friday when asked if the Cowboys had considered putting Bryant on short-term IR. “In Dez’s case, we want to give him every opportunity to be back as soon as he can. We’re optimistic that he can be back soon, and obviously he’s an impact player for us.”

The NFL Network reported Sunday that Bryant needed a bone graft during surgery and would miss 10-12 weeks. But a source said a bone graft is not uncommon in that part of the foot.

Last year, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot the same as Bryant and had a similar procedure that included a bone graft. He broke the bone in practice on July 30, 2014, was placed on short-term IR and returned for a Nov. 2 game.

The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of the foot, connecting to the little toe.

Bryant suffered a Jones fracture in the fourth quarter of the season opener. A Jones fracture is a fracture in the meta-diaphyseal junction of the fifth metatarsal, a small area that receives less blood.

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