IRVING, Texas --Time will tell if starting wide receiver Dez Bryant will return punts full-time in his third season, but he'll certainly welcome the opportunity to make a game-changing play on special teams.
"I love to compete. I really do," Bryant said Wednesday after OTA practice. "Wherever Coach needs me, I'm going to be there because I feel like that's my job to do the best that I can and do as much as possible.
"I just love making the plays when given a chance."
Bryant has been dynamic back there, averaging 10.6 yards on 30 career returns with two touchdowns. He has suffered injuries on a kickoff return (fractured fibula) and punt return (deep thigh bruise) in each of his first two seasons, however, and the missed time doesn't help his development as a receiver.
Team owner/GM Jerry Jones said last week he's comfortable with Bryant returning punts "when we've got a long field," which could indicate a part-time role. Second-year receiver Dwayne Harris split returns with Bryant in 2011 and has been fielding them in practice.
