Jerry Jones Denies Criticizing Cowboys Coaches for Dez Bryant Injury

When rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant fell victim to a high ankle sprain on a play late in practice Friday, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn't hide how displeased he was with the situation. Jones told ESPN's Chris Mortensen he didn't like that Bryant was out so late in practice after a long first week of training camp.

The message was pretty simple. Jones felt the Cowboys worked Bryant too hard, even though he hasn't played in a game since September of last year at Oklahoma State, before the NCAA hammer fell and he was forced to sit the rest of the season.

While his words could have been construed as a criticism of coach Wade Phillips and his staff, Jones denied that Saturday. He wanted to be clear that he wasn't trying to rip Phillips, even if it seemed like he was.

"I'm not being critical ... what I'm being is analytical, or trying to be analytical.

"This is when you all sit down and look at everything you're doing and see if there's some things you can do to help protect your team better, especially during this time five to six weeks away from the opening game."

Jones complimented Phillips, saying he's "one of the best" at running a training camp and takes care of his players.

That still rings hollow, because it's clear Jones thinks his coaching staff didn't do a good enough job of protecting Bryant. Wide receivers coach Ray Sherman disagreed, calling it "one of those freak things," denying the notion that Bryant was overworked.

The injury occurred as Bryant was trying to catch a throw from backup quarterback Jon Kitna that was a little behind him. Cornerback Orlando Scandrick fell on him, injuring the ankle. Bryant said Saturday he expects to be available for the Cowboys in their regular season opener, which is a night game Sept. 12 at Washington.