Dez Bryant just can’t stay out of the news.
The Cowboy rookie was hurt on the next to last play at Friday’s practice and will now be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain.
The initial report had Bryant missing about a month, but recent news make it look like it will be closer to six weeks. SI’s Peter King reportedly had dinner with Jerry Jones on Friday night and reported the Cowboys expect him to miss the preseason, but be ready for opening day.
Realistically, nobody really knows for sure and reports are flying all over the place.
What amazes me at this point is the high element of panic that I’m sensing among dynasty league owners this morning. This injury doesn’t change anything as far as Bryant’s dynasty value goes. In fact, I’d challenge that it doesn’t really change his re-draft fantasy value as much as many think, either.
Here’s a quick perpective:
Dez Bryant’s Dynasty Value
Dez had been incredibly impressive at practice thus far. He was displaying a strong work ethic and quick grasp of the playbook. Every day seemed to bring another highlight reel catch.
The injury is unfortunate, but this is nothing like a torn knee ligament or shoulder injury. With no injury history to speak of, dynasty league owners may just have to wait a few more weeks to see his real impact.
Patience will be rewarded.
Dez Bryant’s Redraft Value
This gets a little sticky, but not as much as people think. Many owners are going to make the mistake of taking him off their redraft lists starting today.
That’s going to be a little impulsive.
Owners in redraft leagues would have likely waited at least a few weeks before inserting Bryant into their lineups anyway. If he gets on the field for week one, nothing really changes that much. He’ll push Roy Williams for the starting job quickly and should have the big second half we expected all along.
If you were expecting dominant production early in the season, that was likely a little foolhardy anyway. He’s still a rookie after all.
While we won’t have the chance to really evaluate him during preseason games, he’s shown enough in practice to make believers out of most already. it’s just going to a little time, but his impact will be felt this season.
The Roy Williams Issue
If I’m a Roy Williams owner in a dynasty league, I shop him as hard as I can today. If you can find someone who thinks the Bryant injury is going to be something that seriously impedes his quest to take over Williams’ job this season, pounce on it.
While Williams’ re-draft value is improved significantly, he’s still not someone I’d target as anything other than a late-round flier.
I’ve just simply seen enough.
Other Cowboy WRs
Bryant’s injury could actually be a blessing for dynasty owners. Having a chance to see some other Cowboy players like Sam Hurd and Kevin Ogletree play this preseason should give everyone a chance to further evaluate their long-term prospects.
Summary
It’s pretty easy, really. In a dynasty league, I’m holding tight to Bryant and looking to sell Williams as fast as I can.
Get off the bridge, people.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
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Thanks for the Quick Analysis
I am just hoping he falls to 1.6 in my rookie draft this w/e!
Assuming need between RB and WR is equal, does this injury change Bryant’s status for a dynasty team ready to win this season? For example if it’s a choice between Best or Bryant, or Spiller or Bryant, do the running backs now get the edge in rookie drafts?
Well, if you’re truly ready to win this season, you really shouldn’t be depending on any of the rookies to put you over the top.
The most immediate producers for 2010 will likely be Jahvid Best and Ryan Mathews. Long-term, I would expect Spiller and Bryant to catch up in the next few seasons.
If you are truly dependant on this one pick getting you points, Best seems to be the best bet. Long-term, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Bryant end up being the best of the entire bunch.
If you absolutely NEED to have points, I’d actually look to move the pick for a proven player.
I agree completely with that last statement, if your relying on that pick for production to try and make a run you shop it and get what you can. I was able to move the #2 pick and a few bench players with upside in one dynasty for Miles Austin to pair with Roddy White and Michael Crabtree. If people want to be great dynasty players, you simply CANNOT let 6 week injuries alter any decisions you will, or may make.
This stuff is longterm, you are drafting guys to be on your team potentially for their career unless moved, and at worst it’s usually a few years you like to give a promising rookie to see how they develop. Dez is the best rookie talent wise in this class, missing Training Camp and pre-season means nothing.
It reminds me alot of Crabtree last year, talks of re-entering the draft the season after, missing pre-season, regular season games, I saw this guy get traded in countless dynasties for guys who were concerned what may happen, then I saw those same guys trying to get him back at the end of the season.
You just sit tight with Dez, Dallas has a bye week in week 4, all he needs to do is be eased in weeks 1-3 and that extra week will get him back to 100%.
