The Sports Xchange

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant had a bone graft as part of his surgery to repair his broken foot and his return may or may not be longer than expected.

The team is hopeful Bryant can return to the lineup by Oct. 25, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

Bryant faces a 10-12 week timeframe because of the bone graft, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport

Bryant suffered a Jones fracture in his fifth metatarsal, the bone running along the outside of his right foot, during the opening win over the New York Giants. He had surgery Monday, and the bone graft is the Cowboys’ standard operating procedure for this type of surgery, sources told ESPN.

The Cowboys had put a four- to six-week timeline on Bryant’s return, and opted against putting Bryant on the injured reserve/designated to return list.

The Cowboys still hope Bryant will be ready to face the New York Giants on Oct. 25 after Dallas’ bye week, sources told ESPN.

“I think you’re always trying to assess how long a player is going to be out and the value of that guy,” coach Jason Garrett said Friday. “In Dez’s case, we want to give him every opportunity to be back as soon as he can. We’re optimistic that he can be back soon, and obviously he’s an impact player for us.”