Redskins vs. Cowboys: Which Dallas Receivers Need to Step Up?

With the news that Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin will not play in tonight's game against the Washington Redskins, other players will need to step in and make up for the big plays that Austin is known to produce.

At the very least, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo will have one of his major targets back on the field. Wide receiver Dez Bryant, who missed the team's Week 2 contest against the San Francisco 49ers after suffering a quad injury in Week 1, will play tonight.

While Bryant will be the No. 1 receiver, he will need help from his teammates if he is going to be effective. Without other players out there to successfully catch Romo's passes and attract defenders' attention, he will be neutralized by double coverage.

This is where tight end Jason Witten comes in. It's no secret that Witten is Romo's favorite target; Witten has the most receptions and receiving yards by a tight end by age 28 in NFL history, and his chemistry with Romo has much to do with it.

Considering how much pressure the Redskins defense will be putting on Romo, who is coming off of a broken rib and punctured lung suffered last week, he will likely find himself needing to throw quick, low-to-mid yardage passes.

The short passing game is Witten's bread and butter, and the combination of Romo's injury and Austin's absence will mean a big night for the tight end.

Wide receiver Jesse Holley made a major splash in Week 2, catching a deep pass from Romo in overtime which set the Cowboys up for their game-winning field goal.

With that catch and the increased attention that it's gotten him, Holley has earned himself a chance to make a big impression while Austin is injured.

Last week's performance has probably earned Holley additional snaps tonight, not just as a decoy to open up Bryant, but also as a legitimate option for Romo in the long passing game. Receiver Kevin Ogletree has been given Austin's starting spot, but he will serve primarily as a decoy as compared to the legitimate target that Holley is trying to become.

He started last week in Bryant's place, but was thrown to only four times, with two receptions and 50 yards as a result. Ogletree will have a significant role as a distraction but won't get many looks from Romo.

While depth is an issue for the Cowboys at a number of positions, the passing game has sufficient talent to keep Romo productive and the Dallas offense varied. This will prove to be extremely important in tonight's game against the undefeated Redskins.