Jason Garrett on using Dez Bryant on returns: rewards worth the risk

[sbk92]

Bill Nichols / Reporter


Dez Bryant suffering a season-ending injury on a kickoff return raises the question: Should he be returning kicks?

Some coaches believe the reward for using a starter on special teams is not worth the risk of injury. In Bryant's case, the upside is too high, according to Cowboys interim coach Jason Garrett.

"I think when you have a player like Dez Bryant, a big part of what his contribution is going to be and a big reason why we drafted him is because of his ability to return the football,'' Garrett said.
"He was the best returner coming out in the draft, and we thought he was the best receiver coming out in the draft. So we wanted to make sure that we use both of those abilities that he has.

"Typically you don't want starting players playing too much special teams. Dez has a unique ability as a returner. We want to take full advantage of that. You never want to put guys in precarious positions, but that's a part of what he does.''

 

[sbk92]

Completely agree.

 

[Bonecrusher#31]

I'd still use him next year... more on PR's than KR's

 

[Cythim]

He returned punts in college, not a whole lot of KRs

 

[SixisBetter]

:whistle

 

[Plymkr]

Won't be the last time I disagree with Garrett, as well as folk in here.

 

[SixisBetter]

Won't be the last time I disagree with Garrett, as well as folk in here.

It would be mighty boring around here if everybody had the same opinions.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

Completely agree.

+1.

 

[sbk92]

The key here, IMO, is Garrett called him special at returning kicks. He's right. He is. I don't know how you don't use someone like that in the return game. It's a tremendous advantage you have to exploit.

What happened to him on Sunday could have easily happened catching a pass.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

Won't be the last time I disagree with Garrett, as well as folk in here.

Well it's called winning the battle of field position. And Dez gives us that.

 

[Plymkr]

So does having a defense that can actually get a turnover or 2 and give the offense field position. Sorry, I am still not down with putting Dez back there. I know he is a spark back there. Hopefully they can find someone else to return kicks.

yes, the injury could of happened while at WR. Could also happen falling down the stairs someplace. Big deal. Injuries happen, I get that. But, I just don't want them to put him in more then needed possible injury situations.