Cowboys Notebook: Jerry Jones says Dez Bryant to make decision to play

WR Dez Bryant returned to make two big catches after fracturing his finger Sunday. (US Presswire)

Dallas Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said WR Dez Bryant will have the ultimate decision regarding his playing status Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Bryant has a fractured left index finger suffered last week in Cincinnati. Bryant was able to return and catch two passes, including a crucial 27-yard touchdown that ignited the comeback win over the Bengals.

Bryant saw a hand specialist Monday, and it appears there is a decision to make regarding surgery, which would be season-ending, or finding a way to protect the finger and let the receiver continue playing. The latter scenario could have high risks for further damage to the finger. 

"I know he wants to play," Jones said on his weekly radio show. “Dez will be the ultimate decision-maker on surgery or playing with some kind of padding. Make no mistake about it. Dez is champing at the bit and wants to take the route of playing."

But coach Jason Garrett said Monday that Bryant’s passion to play would not be the deciding factor.

“He's just one of those guys," Garrett said. "He loves to play. He's very emotional about the game, very passionate about the game, so we're going to do everything we can to give him a chance to play. At the same time, there's a medical decision as well that we have to factor into this thing, and we'll do the right thing."

Bryant has been the Cowboys’ most consistent player the past five weeks, which includes four victories. He has seven touchdowns in that span, including at least one in each game. Bryant leads the team with 1,028 receiving yards and nine touchdowns and ranks second in catches with 75, trailing only Jason Witten (92).

Veteran Coe added: The Cowboys added some depth at cornerback Tuesday by signing five-year veteran Michael Coe, who was recently cut by the Dolphins. But Coe spent most of the year with the Giants, even starting the season opener against the Cowboys.

Coe’s addition could suggest the Cowboys are concerned with the status of CB Morris Claiborne, who suffered facial lacerations in Sunday’s win over the Bengals. The Cowboys have not announced whether Claiborne officially had a concussion, but there have been reports stating the rookie was treated for head injuries as a precaution.

Still, Coe could be an upgrade to CB Vince Agnew, who was waived Tuesday to make room for Coe, who joins his fifth team.

Practice squad shuffle: Obviously, the tragic death of LB Jerry Brown in an auto accident has altered the practice squad, but the Cowboys have made several changes to the unit in recent days. As of Tuesday evening, the club has just four players on the practice squad, which includes the latest signing of DB Micah Pellerin. Aside from Brown, DT Rob Callaway signed to the 53-man roster, LB Jerry Franklin was signed by the Bears and the team cut TE Chase Ford and CB Reggie Jones. Pellerin joins WRs Andre Holmes and Tim Benford and G Ron Leary.