Dez Bryant Injury: Updates on Cowboys Star's Back and Return

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was recovering from a back injury, but he is ready to play. 

Continue for updates.

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Bryant Active vs. Ravens

Sunday, Nov. 20

David Helman of the Cowboys' official website announced that Bryant is available against Baltimore in Week 11.

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Latest on Bryant's Practice Status

Friday, Nov. 18

After not practicing on Wednesday and Thursday, Bryant was limited at practice on Friday, per Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan. 

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Cowboys Need Bryant Healthy for Super Bowl Run

This could be another setback for Bryant, who already suffered a knee injury earlier this season, if the injury lingers. He also missed seven contests last year after he broke his foot in Dallas' season-opening contest against the New York Giants.

Bryant did play in all 16 games in three straight seasons from 2012-14 and developed into one of the best wide receivers in all of football. In his last full year in 2014, he posted 1,320 receiving yards and 16 touchdown catches. He also earned first-team All-Pro designation and reached his second Pro Bowl.

When healthy, he can beat defenders vertically with his speed and outmuscle cornerbacks in the end zone on jump balls. He has 22 receptions for 398 yards and three touchdowns in 2016.

The Cowboys would turn to Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley if Bryant is forced out of action again this season. Williams posted a career-high 840 receiving yards last year and demonstrated his ability to find the end zone in 2014 with eight touchdown catches.

As for Beasley, he often takes advantage of double-teams Bryant draws by exploiting space in the middle of the field, but he will likely be asked to shoulder more of the load until Dallas' primary option returns.

While Williams and Beasley at least provide solid options in the passing game without Bryant, the Cowboys need their go-to receiver healthy to open up the rest of the offense. Opposing defenses can stuff the box to contain the run and shift more talented cornerbacks to Williams and Beasley if Bryant is forced to the sidelines again.