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

Updates from Sunday, Sept. 28

Ramon Antonio Vargas of The Advocate reported on Dez Bryant's status for Week 4 vs. New Orleans:

Updates from Friday, Sept. 26

Todd Archer of ESPN reported on Dez Bryant's status for Week 4:

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 25

Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News has the latest on Bryant's shoulder:

Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 24

Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News reported on Dez Bryant from Cowboys practice:

Updates from Sunday, Sept. 21

The Dallas Cowboys confirmed that Dez Bryant is active for Sunday's game vs. St. Louis:

Updates from Friday, Sept. 19

Mike Fisher of Fox Sports Southwest has an update on Bryant's status for Sunday:

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 18

Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has an update on Dez Bryant's status:

Bryant also spoke about his shoulder following practice (via Tim McMahon of ESPN):

Original Text

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant sat out Wednesday's practice as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News first reported the news:  

Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan shared a photo of Bryant from practice:

Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports on the wideout's status going forward:

Bryant has been pretty durable throughout his NFL career. The 25-year-old wideout suffered a fractured ankle during the latter stages of his rookie season. Since that point, he's only missed one game over the last three seasons as he's developed into an elite playmaker.

Missing him for any extended period of time would be a major setback for the Cowboys. The team is heavily dependent on its star-studded offense to lead the charge in what always seems to be one of the tightest divisions in football, the NFC East.

The Oklahoma State product is a key piece of that puzzle. He's tallied more than 90 catches for over 1,200 yards and double-digit touchdowns in each of the past two seasons.

John Buccigross of ESPN passed along some numbers coming into the season to further illustrate Bryant's role as one of the league's most important skill-position players:

The receiver also entered the season with some added motivation as his current deal is set to expire after the season. David Moore of The Dallas Morning News passed along comments from him about letting his play on the field speak for itself:

"

That's going to take care of itself. I'm very confident in the work I put in. Whatever happens, happens.

All I know is I'm going to continue to keep doing my job. That alone shows my dedication and love I have for the game. I'm going to let it work out.

"

A better picture will be available once the team releases further information about the severity of the ailment, but even a minor injury to a player of Bryant's caliber is going to generate plenty of attention.

If he's forced to miss time, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley should be expected to take on larger roles in the passing game with tight end Jason Witten serving as the top target. It's still a capable group, but won't be anywhere near as dangerous without one of the game's best receivers.