Dez Bryant won't play vs. Bills

ByTodd Archer ESPN logo
Saturday, December 26, 2015

IRVING, Texas -- Despite insisting they will not shut down Dez Bryantbecause of the team's 4-10 record, the Dallas Cowboys ruled out the wide receiver for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

Bryant did not practice during the week because of foot and ankle injuries, and it's likely he won't play again this season.

The Cowboys also ruled out cornerback Morris Claiborne, who has a hamstring injury. Neither player is making the trip to Buffalo.

Earlier this month, Bryant said he felt as good as he has all season since missing five games following foot surgery after the season opener. He was listed as a full participant in practice from Dec. 4 through last week, but the Cowboys were officially eliminated from the playoffs with their Dec. 19 loss to the New York Jets.

Bryant, who had been listed as doubtful Friday, has 31 catches for 401 yards and three touchdowns in nine games. He has not had more than five catches in a game this season and has just one 100-yard game.

He suffered a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot in the season-opening win against the New York Giantsthatrequired surgery. He was able to return in seven weeks, but Bryant never found his stride after missing the offseason program during a contract dispute and missing half of the training camp practices and four preseason games with a hamstring strain.

This will be the fourth game Claiborne has missed this season because of a hamstring strain. He initially suffered the injury Nov. 15 against Tampa Bay and missed the next two games. He returned to play two games but aggravated the strain Dec. 13 at Green Bay.

Set to be a free agent after the season, Claiborne, the team's first-round pick in 2012, has possibly played his final game for the Cowboys.