Dez Bryant Injury: Dallas Cowboys WR Will Have Big Game in Return vs. Redskins

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant missed the team's Week 2 game with a quad injury, but is expected to play Monday night against the Washington Redskins. With Miles Austin out of the lineup due to a nagging hamstring problem, Bryant will excel in his return.

ESPNDallas.com's Tim MacMahon tweeted his thoughts on the situation.

While Bryant caught just three passes against the New York Jets in the season-opener, they went for 71 yards and a touchdown. After almost two weeks on the mend, it doesn't sound like Bryant is completely healthy, but sometimes you just have to fight through the pain.

He'll be matched up against DeAngelo Hall for most of the night, which is always good news for a fantasy receiver. Hall was among the worst in the league last season in yards and touchdowns allowed by a corner, and hasn't shown much improvement in 2011.

A questionable receiver who plays on Monday Night Football is usually a must-avoid situation, but Bryant is worth the risk. Tony Romo, who is also expected to play, will be targeting him early and often since his other options are limited.

The second-year receiver played in just one of the games against Washington last season (he's injury prone, there's no doubt about that) and caught eight balls for 56 yards.

Dallas spent a first-round pick on Bryant last spring, and it's evident he has all the tools to become an elite wide receiver. Unfortunately, the tendency for lingering injuries to hold him back might never allow him to reach that lofty plateau.

In the short term, however, things are looking good. With Austin expected to be out until at least Week 6, Bryant should be the main man in the Cowboys' offense. Look for him to put up some huge numbers—if he can stay healthy, of course.

Week 3 Prediction: Seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown

LIFE HURTS. THIS INJURY UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY DICKIES.