Cowboys vs. Panthers: Dez Bryant expected to start Sunday

According to a tweet from ESPN's Adam Schefter via Ed Werder, the Dallas Cowboys expect wide receiver Dez Bryant to start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

Bryant did not participate in Friday's workout due to a groin strain and was listed as questionable. Bryant has apparently dealt with soreness for some time now and his absence on Friday wasn't a result of anything that happened in practice on Thursday.

Bryant being able to go keeps Kevin Ogletree as the third receiver on the depth chart and allows Bryant to continue returning punts instead of Lance Dunbar or Dwayne Harris replacing him on special teams.

Bryant and fellow starting wide receiver Miles Austin have both dealt with injuries for the 2-3 Cowboys. Austin was held to two catches and just 31 yards receiving in Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Austin is still dealing with a nagging hamstring injury but will play on Sunday.

Bryant has 34 catches for 364 yards and two touchdowns this season.