2011 NFL Predictions: Dez Bryant Primed for Explosive Season with Dallas Cowboys

Dez Bryant is heading into his sophomore season in the NFL, ready to produce in a big way.

As a rookie for the Dallas Cowboys, Bryant had 45 catches for 561 yards and six touchdowns, despite missing four games with a broken ankle.

But, Fox Sports Southwest reports that Bryant is looking good this preseason and can't wait to get back out on the field:

"Dez Bryant didn't need to catch a bunch of balls or score any touchdowns to be content with his performance in Thursday's preseason opener at Cowboys Stadium. Heck, Bryant, who only stepped on the field for one series, didn't catch a single pass.

But the second-year receiver was beyond energetic as he answered questions following the Cowboys' 24-23 victory over the Denver Broncos.

'It's great to be playing football again,' he said with a smile."

It's a good thing Bryant is happy and healthy, because the Cowboys will be relying heavily on their young receiver this season.

They had so much confidence in him that they didn't re-sign former No. 2 receiver Roy Williams, who is now a member of the Chicago Bears, along with former Cowboys WR Sam Hurd and RB Marion Barber.

So, Bryant had better improve on his 2010 numbers in 2011.

He has all the talent to do so, he just needs to make sure he avoids injuries at all costs.

It'll be interesting to see whether or not the Cowboys still plan on using Bryant on punt returns, where he was dynamic in 2010.

Bryant had two touchdowns on returns in 2010, despite only having 15 attempts.

He's definitely an asset in the return game, but it might be too risky to have that important of a player returning punts and kicks this season.

But, with all the chances Bryant is bound to get in 2011, he's sure to put up big numbers.

Quarterback Tony Romo is healthy again and should be able to utilize Bryant's talents better than Jon Kitna could.

I don't think it's unreasonable to predict a 1,000 yard season from Bryant in 2011. He has the potential to get to that plateau and could also eclipse the 10 TD mark.