Dez Bryant expected to be out 10-12 weeks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant could be out long enough that he is already thinking ahead to the playoffs.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Sunday that Bryant needed a bone graft while undergoing surgery last week. The 26-year-old broke a bone in his foot during a Week 1 win over the New York Giants. Bryant is expected to miss 10-12 weeks.

If Bryant is out 10 weeks (from the time of the injury), he would return sometime in late November. As Rapoport notes, the Cowboys play the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 22 before a quick turnaround for their Thanksgiving Day game against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 26. Unless Bryant is feeling 100 percent recovered by then, it would make more sense for them to wait the full 12 weeks and have him back for the final give games of the season.

The Cowboys opted not to place Bryant on the Injured Reserve/Designated to Return list, which would have kept him out a minimum of eight weeks. They initially believed he could be back in a month or so, but the latest report indicates that will not be the case.

One surgeon who spoke to Rapoport explained that a bone graft can be used to help a chronic foot injury heal and prevent future issues. A straight-forward “Jones fracture” would not require transplanting a bone.

Bryant reportedly told Michael Irvin after his surgery that he is looking forward to the playoffs.

After his surgery, Dez Bryant told @michaelirvin88 he was getting ready for the playoff run. This makes sense given the new timeframe.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2015

The best-case scenario for Bryant would be a full recovery and no nagging issues, which would allow him to return down the stretch of the season and help the Cowboys fight for a playoff spot. If the way he reacted after his team’s win over the Giants is any indication, Dez will be more than happy to be a cheerleader in the meantime.