Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and return specialist Dez Bryant, who broke his left index finger in Sunday's game against Cincinnati, consulted another doctor to see whether he could play the rest of the NFL season with the injury.
Dallas Coach Jason Garrett said the team was trying to get as much medical information as possible to make a decision for "the best way to handle it for now and the future."
Bryant practiced without any bandages on his left hand Wednesday, but later when the team met with the media, he showed his swollen hand and said he "really wanted to talk" but had to leave to meet a doctor.
Garrett hadn't anticipated Bryant practicing Wednesday because of the swelling. Sunday's game against Pittsburgh is very important for the Cowboys, as they are only one game behind the NFC East leading New York Giants.
Out of the last five games in which Bryant has played, the Cowboys have won four with the receiver instrumental in the team's success, contributing seven touchdowns and completing 33 catches for 525 yards.
"One of the things we know about Dez is he's a tough guy and he loves playing football," the Associated Press quoted Garrett as saying. "He's going to give himself and our team every chance possible to play in this ballgame and continue to play this season."
However, most experts believe the player should not be risked, as it could aggravate the condition in the long term.
"I would say that's an overriding question with all injuries," Garrett said. "And certainly the willingness of the player to play, the ability of the player to function like he needs to function are big questions as well.
"But certainly his health now, his health going forward are huge factors in making this decision."
It is quite obvious that the coach wants to see Bryant's health reports before deciding whether he will play Sunday. Garrett also wants to ensure his star receiver is catching the ball efficiently and not feeling any pain.
The Cowboys owner Jerry Jones asserted on a radio show Tuesday that the final decision on Bryant would be taken by the player himself. However, on Wednesday, Garrett informed the media that Bryant and "a lot of people" would take a collective decision.
"Certainly the player has a lot to do with his willingness and ability to play. But again, the medical part is a big piece and his ability to function is a big piece," Garrett said.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
