Brice Butler

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Bryant played through the injury in Week 3, but that doesn't mean he'll be able to go on Sunday. Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc) said if the "hairline fracture in weight bearing portion of knee, will be a multi-week absence. Can't risk displacement of bone." Our own injury expert, Russell Manalastas (@russmanalastas) said, "Pretty doubtful (he plays), even if fracture isn't in weight bearing area it's unlikely they'll risk making it worse. Location of fracture is important." Ed Werder said that "typical players recover in 1-3 weeks." If the Cowboys are truly "hopeful" that he plays, then the location of the injury is probably not in a bad spot. Of course, it could be gamesmanship if they know he's out and want to force San Francisco to prepare for him. If he sits, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Jason Witten and Brice Butler would get a bump. Beasley and Witten's role will be largely unchanged, though they may see more targets, while most of Bryant's downfield targets would go to Williams and Butler. In the seven games since 2013 that Dez has missed, Williams has averaged 3.6 catches for 67 yards and 0.29 touchdowns, but he has burned many a fantasy bridge over the years.