Report: Cowboys expect Bryant to return vs. Eagles

An offense that's already led the way to a first-place standing in the NFC East is about to get a whole lot more difficult to defend.

The Dallas Cowboys expect to have wide receiver Dez Bryant back in the lineup for Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Bryant missed each of the last three games after sustaining a hairline fracture in his knee during a Week 3 win over the Chicago Bears.

Practicing on a limited basis prior to this past week's bye seemingly indicated that he was closing in on a return, and all indications are that he's only continued to make steady progress since.

The All-Pro will immediately return to a role as the top receiver for the Cowboys' offense, where his ability to dominate one-on-one matchups has the potential to both add individual production and create plays for others.

Whether rookie Dak Prescott remains the starting quarterback long term, or Tony Romo steps back into the lead role upon receiving medical clearance, Bryant's reliable presence should help the passing attack to emerge as the perfect complement for a dominant ground game.