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Dez Bryant doesn't feel like he has lost a step in his return

FRISCO -- Officially, Dez Bryant was limited in Wednesday’s practice as he works his way back from a tibial plateau fracture in his right leg. Realistically, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver said he can play every snap in Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Oh, man, I feel like I haven’t lost a step as far as conditioning,” Bryant said.

Bryant went through three limited practices leading into the Oct. 16 game against the Green Bay Packers, one limited practice during the Cowboys bye week and two practices so far this week.

“I think it’s important for guys to practice like we’ve always talked about,” coach Jason Garrett said. “He’s dealt with this injury and he’s been chomping at the bit to come back and play and medically we felt like it was important for him to wait to heal up a little bit more, give it a little more time.”

In hindsight, Bryant said not playing against the Packers was “an outstanding decision.” He also said he feels as good as he felt heading into the season opener.

Last season Bryant returned to the lineup after missing five games because of a broken right foot, but he was not the same player before the Cowboys shut him down for the final two games of a forgettable 4-12 season. Bryant had just one 100-yard game and never had more than five catches in a game.

“It’s something minor,” Bryant said of the tibial plateau fracture. “This is nothing compared to the foot. You know, see me, I’m not a good exaggerator. I say what I mean. I mean what I say. It was minor. I feel good. Just can’t wait to get back out there.”

Bryant suffered the injury on the second play from scrimmage Sept. 25 against the Chicago Bears. He missed six snaps before returning and finished the game with three catches for 40 yards and a touchdown.

After the game, the Cowboys believed Bryant suffered some kind of fracture but wanted an MRI to confirm the initial diagnosis. Bryant essentially went missing for two days before finally getting the exam. While he did not fear his season was over at the time, “I just hated the fact that why it had to happen, especially when I was feeling that good,” Bryant said.

So how long ago does Sept. 25 seem?

“Seems like forever,” Bryant said. “Now it’s over. I’m excited. I get to be back with my teammates and get to be a part of the excitement. It’s just fun. I just can’t wait to get out there and have fun.”