Dez Bryant reportedly won't make Saints debut this week, Saints say no decision made
Dez Bryant might have to wait yet another week to play again in an NFL game.
Bryant, whose long offseason finally ended earlier this week when he signed with the New Orleans Saints, is not expected to play this week against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.
However, the Saints said later on Friday that no decision has been made.
Payton said Dez Bryant's status for Sunday has not been decided #Saints
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 9, 2018
It wouldn’t be too surprising if Bryant is inactive. Bryant hasn’t played since last New Year’s Eve, when he was with the Dallas Cowboys. Pelissero said the Saints “want him to drop weight” and get some extra time to learn the offense and build chemistry. Bryant’s first Saints practice was Thursday.
Pelissero’s report said Bryant could play Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles. We’ll see if the Saints surprise everyone and make him active Sunday.
Dez Bryant could wait another week
Bryant didn’t seem too concerned, when he met with the media Thursday, about his role or when he would play.
“I’m leaving that up to coach,” Bryant said. “Whatever he has for me, I’m going to get myself ready for it.”
It stands to reason that the Saints need to get used to Bryant, too. Sean Payton and his staff will need to get a look at Bryant up close and figure out the best ways to use him.
While everyone waited months for Bryant to land in the NFL, it would make sense to put off his debut another week.
Bryant still knocking off rust
Bryant admitted on Thursday that he was “knocking a little bit of rust off” during his first practice back. Bryant said he was working out while waiting to land with an NFL team, but it’s tough to replicate practicing and playing football.
The Saints don’t need Bryant right away. They’ve gone 7-1 without him, and their offense is doing just fine. Bryant will add depth to the receiving corps when he’s ready.
It will just take another week. Maybe.
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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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