Bryan expected back before preseason ends

Cowboys rookie Bryant could play 2 preseason games

By JAIME ARON

AP Sports Writer

OXNARD, Calif. (AP) - Cowboys rookie receiver Dez Bryant knows his sprained right ankle will be ready for the regular season. He's pretty sure he'll get to test it in the preseason finale.

Maybe even two preseason games.

"I feel I got a big shot," Bryant said Saturday. "Hopefully, if I feel real good, I'm going to get in their ear, beg them to get back on the field."

When Bryant was hurt July 30, he was told he could miss up to six weeks, which would have wiped out his entire preseason. But his recovery has gone well enough that it could be closer to the short end of the time frame, which would let him play Sept. 2, against Miami and perhaps Aug. 28, at Houston.

"He's doing well and we expected him to do well, by the way," team owner Jerry Jones said. "We had expectations, and I am hopeful we will have him back for those last two preseason games."

Bryant wore a walking boot on the sideline Thursday night, watching the Cowboys fail to score a touchdown in a loss to the Oakland Raiders. He got the clearance to shed the boot Saturday morning and was wearing cleats during both practices. He's doing aerobic work like "a little power walk" on a treadmill and some rehabilitative exercises.

"I felt pain free," he said. "I hope they have something harder for me because what I'm doing now is kind of light. ... The only thing that's hard about it is just watching the other guys run routes, knowing I can't be out there to help."

Sharply changing directions when he runs is pretty much the final hurdle to clear.

"I can't cut the way I want to," Bryant said. "It doesn't give out. I don't get enough push. I haven't really found out anyway. I'm not really trying to, but I just don't have it. I've got to work back into that."

Once he thinks he's ready, he must convince a lot of other people in the organization - doctors and trainers, coaches and management.

The dilemma is that if he returns too soon, there's more of a chance for a setback, perhaps turning this into a problem that bothers him all season.

Wait too long, though, and he'll miss even more practice time. He needs it as much as any rookie since he played only three games last season at Oklahoma State.

"I just want to get the feel for the game," Bryant said.

Getting the boot off was a big deal for Bryant, both as a sign of progress and the practical benefit of not using the clunky thing.

"(When) the trainer told me I didn't have to wear it, I had the biggest grin on my face that I have had in a long time," he said. "I am healing real fast."

The injury hasn't dimmed Bryant's expectations for this season.

"I still feel like I can help out," he said. "I will be able to help out and do the things I have been doing."

Bryant got a rough initiation into the off-field side of the game when he refused to carry the shoulder pads of veteran receiver Roy Williams. Things have been patched up since, especially with Bryant doing things like giving new Jordan brand sneakers to all his fellow receivers and getting a copy of the new Madden video game for Williams.

"I did that out of the kindness of my heart. It didn't have anything to do with rookie hazing," Bryant said. "I just want to build a great relationship with those guys. I want things to be right. I feel like we've got some great chemistry, can't nothing break that."