Jerry Jones: Injuries, conditioning have held back Dez Bryant

July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
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OXNARD, Calif. – As Dez Bryant’s personal problems concern Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner/general manager doesn’t believe off-field issues have prevented Bryant from reaching his Pro Bowl potential.

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Jones pointed to injuries and conditioning as the primary factors that held Bryant back in the 2010 first-round pick’s first two NFL seasons.

Bryant dealt with several nagging injuries during his rookie season, which was ended four games early due to a broken ankle. He suffered a deep thigh bruise in last season’s opener, which caused him to miss one game and bothered him for several weeks.

“That has been the chief limiting thing with us sitting here with a player that is very obviously a major difference maker in us winning games; has been his injuries,” Jones said. “Now, is that going to continue? We hope not. He has had a big offseason relative to his strength and conditioning. He is the best shape he has ever been.

“I really don’t believe Dez Bryant has been in shape his first two seasons, relative to where he could be. That is different now.”

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