Cowboys' Dez Bryant placed on IR; will undergo foot, ankle surgery

The Dallas Cowboys placed wide receiver Dez Bryant on injured reserve Wednesday, prematurely ending his season.

Head coach Jason Garrett said Bryant will undergo surgery on both his foot and ankle over the next week. He also said the decision to place Bryant on IR had nothing to do with the Cowboys being out of the playoffs.

Bryant fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in the Cowboys' season opener and missed five games as a result. Since returning in Week 8, he's dealt with foot, ankle, and knee issues.

This latest surgery will include an additional bone graft to fortify Bryant's previous foot injury, according to ESPN's Ed Werder. The Cowboys expect him to recover in time to participate in the offseason program, Werder adds.

In nine games this season, Bryant caught 31 passes for 401 yards and three touchdowns - all career lows.