FRISCO, Texas -- Wide receiver Dez Bryant is questionable for the third straight week as the Dallas Cowboys get ready to play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Bryant, who is recovering from a tibial plateau fracture in his right leg, worked through a limited practice for the third straight day, even fielding two punts during the open portion of practice to the media, but he did not go through any 11-on-11 drills. Earlier in the week Bryant said he was "preparing to go" and would know more by Friday, but the odds of him playing against the Packers appear slim.
The Cowboys have their bye week Oct. 23 before playing the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 30.
"You try not to let the bye week factor in," coach Jason Garrett said. "There's 16 games and it's all hands on deck for every one of those games. They're very, very important. Oftentimes people will say, 'We'll give a couple more weeks,' and all that kind of stuff, [but] you need to get ready for playing a game."
Garrett said the Cowboys are "optimistic about his progress," but they don't want Bryant to suffer a setback. At the time of the diagnosis, Garrett mentioned the Cowboys have had players with similar injuries miss no games and up to three games.
Left tackle Tyron Smith (back) is questionable as well. He was able to practice on a limited basis, but he said he would be able to play Sunday. Smith added he will likely have to manage his work during the week for the season as he plays through the bulging disk.
If Smith suffers a setback, the Cowboys would move right tackle Doug Free to left tackle, right guard Zack Martin would move to right tackle and Joe Looney would move to right guard.
Cornerback Orlando Scandrick (hamstrings) was ruled out for the first time this season and will miss his fourth straight game. The Cowboys had been listing him as questionable. Quarterback Tony Romo (back) and tackle Chaz Green (foot) have also been ruled out.
Defensive tackle Terrell McClain was added to the injury report on Friday with an arm injury that prevented him from taking part in a full practice. He is listed as questionable.
Kicker Dan Bailey (back), cornerback Morris Claiborne (ankle), running back Lance Dunbar (knee), defensive end David Irving (concussion), linebacker Kyle Wilber (neck), wide receiver Terrance Williams (shoulder) and tight end Jason Witten (chest) are also listed as questionable.