The Dallas Cowboys expect their high-octane offense to return in full strength for 2011 and as of late January, that’s still the plan. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that wide receiver Dez Bryant is “on target” in his rehab for a broken right ankle. Bryant isn’t quite ready to run on the surgically repaired ankle, but he’s off crutches and the team would like him to be ready for offseason workouts. Bryant finished his rookie season with 45 catches for 561 yards and six touchdowns. He scored twice more on punt returns.
Jones also said quarterback Tony Romo is doing fine in recovering from his broken collarbone. Jones said the team was confident Romo could have played at the end of the season, but it decided to take the safe route and put him on injured reserve with two games left. Now there’s going to be no holding back.
“He’s certainly going to be capable to do anything and everything he can this offseason,” Jones said of Romo. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Both players should be absolutely 100 percent by September. Bryant didn’t start putting up big numbers until Romo was out of action in week seven, but most of that was due to Bryant’s slow recovery from a high ankle sprain suffered during the preseason. He’s an athletic freak who will likely becomes Romo’s favorite deep target next season. There will be a lot of discussion and separation regarding Bryant in 2011 fantasy WR ranks, but there is no other player at that position with more upside right now than Dez. A full season from him might cut back Miles Austin’s production, but it could make Bryant a WR1 in fantasy.
Coming off an injury but with plenty of weapons at his disposal, Romo may be a nice sleeper during summer drafts.
