Column by TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News | tarcher@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Could Dez Bryant be the tonic the Cowboys' offense needs?
The first-round pick returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since suffering a high right-ankle sprain inside the Alamodome. There's a chance he could play Thursday against Miami in the preseason finale, but if the first-team offense isn't playing, playing Bryant does not make much sense.
When the Cowboys drafted Bryant, the good news was that they didn't need him to be a savior. With Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton, Bryant could be afforded the time to learn and ease his way in.
Maybe that's not the case anymore.
The Cowboys did not have trouble putting up yards last year or coming up with big plays in the passing game, but they did have a hard time scoring points.
Bryant's big-play ability could help set up easier scoring drives. He and Tony Romo did not have a difficult time connecting during their abbreviated work in San Antonio. Bryant didn't always go to the correct spot. He didn't catch every pass thrown his way. But he was able to make up for those miscues with talent.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones believes it won't take long for Bryant to make plays, even if he doesn't play in the preseason.
"Same as he did in San Antonio when he got out on the field," Jones said when asked about the impact Bryant could make.
