Dez Bryant Injury: How Much Will Quad Limit Cowboys WR vs. Detroit Lions?

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant will indeed play today against the Detroit Lions, allowing a degree of relief for his fantasy owners on the edge of their seats waiting for an injury report on the should-be fantasy stud.

That said, Bryant has yet to really break out this season, with seven receptions for 134 yards and one touchdown while being hindered by a quad injury that limited him in Weeks 1 and 3 and saw him miss the team's Week 2 contest against the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Football Outsiders, the Detroit Lions are the No. 2 defense against the pass, owing much to their impressive pass rush led by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, recovering himself from a rib injury suffered in Week 2, will be under substantial pressure; whether or not Bryant is able to get open in the secondary, Romo might not find himself with enough time to get the ball to his primary target.

The quad injury itself will probably serve to limit Bryant's ability to get separation from the Lions defenders. To his credit, much of that vaunted pass defense has to do with the front four and less with the Detroit corners, so even with his lingering injury, he shouldn't have too much trouble beating whatever coverage he faces.

It's a huge risk to start Bryant this week, but unless you have better options on your bench, you're probably going to have to start him. Keep in mind that his injury will probably keep his yards-after-catch numbers low, but it shouldn't decrease his overall targets should Romo have time to get him the ball.

Start Bryant with caution. Ideally your fantasy week doesn't hinge on him, or otherwise you might be in for a stressful afternoon.