DALLAS Teams

AP Photo/Ron Jenkins

Outsiders: Cowboys are in a good spot

Dallas trails Philadelphia in the NFC East, but its playoff odds are fifth-best in the NFC, ahead of Arizona and Carolina, per Football Outsiders. Playoff odds (Insider)

play
Cowboys hopeful Bryant won't miss extended period of time (0:53)

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has a hairline fracture of his right tibia but will not require surgery. It's not clear how much time he will miss but the Cowboys don't expect it to be long. Bryant suffered the injury in Sunday's win against the Chicago Bears. Brice Butler will likely move into the starting lineup. "I'm ready," Butler said.

Max Olson ESPN Staff Writer 

How does DC Vance Bedford adjust expectations for playing defense when Texas has an offense averaging 47 points? Bedford says it's all about two key stats: points per drive and turnovers. The Longhorns rank 9th in the Big 12 and 92nd nationally in points/drive (2.3) and have yet to grab an interception.

Max Olson ESPN Staff Writer 

Texas DC Vance Bedford says he takes full responsibly for his defense's problems against Cal. He believes he and Charlie Strong are on the same page about their defense. "There's a trust factor. We've been together now 8 years, I believe. We know we need to get things cleaned up and get some things done, it's just that simple."

Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire

Cannon makes big jump in #CFBrank

Baylor WR KD Cannon, our preseason No. 71 player, is No. 47 in our re-rank. Despite battling an injury, he has 360 receiving yards and four TDs. Where did Bears QB Seth Russell land? Updated #CFBrank

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Seth Curry led the Mavs with 15 points during the team's open scrimmage. "He's going to be a factor for us," coach Rick Carlisle said.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Cowboys left guard La'el Collins is seeking an opinion from Dr. Robert Anderson on his injured right big toe. Jason Garrett called Dr. Anderson one of the foremost experts in dealing with toe injuries. In 2008 former Cowboys running back Felix Jones sought Dr. Anderson's opinion and had season-ending surgery.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith is not practicing because of a back injury that kept him out of last week's game against the Chicago Bears. Smith was unable to finish last Friday's practice with tightness in his back but Jason Garrett said Smith is moving around better the last few days. Cornerback Orlando Scandrick will be limited in practice after he did not practice or play last week because of hamstring strains in both legs.

Rob Ferguson/USA TODAY Sports
4hMax Olson

Week 5 in the Big 12: What to watch for

Oklahoma's ability to bounce back and Texas' new-look defense are among the top Big 12 storylines to keep an eye on in Week 5.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

The. Cowboys placed rookie defensive end Charles Tapper on injured reserve with a back injury. Tapper was diagnosed with a Pars Defect early in training camp. He had a setback in his return to practice last week. He will now miss at least the next eight weeks if not the full season. The Cowboys needed the roster spot to add offensive tackle Emmett Cleary.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Rosters for Mavs' open scrimmage today:

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant will not practice today as the team continues to evaluate his injured right knee. Jason Garrett would not say whether Bryant has had an MRI yet, which is curious since it is three days since the injury.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Rangers should go for AL's top seed

While most teams would prefer resting their starters before the postseason, Texas should try its best to lock up home-field advantage.The Rangers are 51-26 at home and 42-39 on the road, which explains why. What we learned Tuesday

Stats & Info

Tuesday's longest home runs

Miguel Cabrera hit yet another home run that traveled over 440 feet, but he was bested on Tuesday by a player with just six homers in 100 games this season -- Eduardo Escobar. Yoenis Cespedes also reached 440 feet on his blast.

play
Stephen A. says Romo gets the 'moderate' respect he deserves (1:53)

Jake Trotter ESPN Staff Writer 

Saturday's matchup between Oklahoma State and Texas figures to be a massive swing game for both teams. Oklahoma State has never started out 2-3 under Mike Gundy. Texas is currently an FPI in three of its next four games, not including its trip to Stillwater.

Jake Trotter ESPN Staff Writer 

In four meetings as Big 12 opponents, the average margin of victory between Oklahoma and TCU is 3.8 points. No team has won by more than a touchdown, either.