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How much time will Dez Bryant miss with fractured tibia?

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) dives for the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) dives for the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver Dez Bryant suffered a fractured tibia on Sunday so how long will the Pro Bowler be out?

The Dallas Cowboys received another bad piece of injury news on Wednesday, as the team announced wide receiver Dez Bryant suffered a hairline fracture of his right tibia during Week 3’s win over the Chicago Bears.

While a fractured tibia is certainly concerning, Todd Archer of ESPN reports it shouldn’t be a long-term injury for Bryant. Archer notes Bryant will not need surgery, and the team doesn’t expect him to miss too much time, even if there isn’t an exact timetable yet.

Bryant did not participate in practice on Wednesday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Such an injury typically would keep a player out for three games or fewer.

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Given that Bryant was able to finish the game on Sunday night against Chicago, he probably could play this weekend if necessary. However, a hairline fracture can lead to something worse, and the team has no reason to rush Bryant this early in the season. Dallas will want Bryant to be full strength for a tough upcoming stretch in its schedule, including a critical NFC East matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of October.

The Cowboys will still be favored against San Francisco, but the lack of receiver depth will be a test for rookie quarterback Dak Prescott. Brice Butler, who has just one reception this season, is projected to start in Bryant’s place, while new top target Terrance Williams is off to a rough start in 2016 with eight catches in two games.

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More concerning is the fact that Bryant’s lower body injury history is growing after he struggled through foot problems last season and broke his ankle earlier in his career. Bryant recorded 31 catches in just nine games in 2015, and has just 11 receptions for 150 yards through three contests this season.

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