A hand injury could end the season early for Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant.
Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com reports that Bryant could be out for the rest of the season, if tests reveal a torn ligament in his finger will require surgery. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said it’s 50-50 whether Bryant will have to be shut down for the rest of the season. Bryant will be checked out by a hand specialist today.
Bryant apparently suffered the injury on a six-yard catch in the fourth quarter. After briefly leaving the game, he returned and caught a 27-yard touchdown pass later on the same series, and he caught another pass on the next series to help set up the Cowboys’ game-winning field goal.
Losing Bryant would be a huge blow to the Cowboys’ playoff hopes. Bryant has had an excellent season and has already set career highs in catches (75) yards (1,028) and touchdowns (nine).
The 7-6 Cowboys have games remaining against the Steelers, Saints and Redskins. If they win out, they have a very good chance of reaching the playoffs. If they lose a game, they’ll likely fall short.