Cowboys to start Dez Bryant, but Morris Claiborne won't play vs. Steelers

ARLINGTON, Texas — As expected, Dez Bryant will take his spot in the Dallas Cowboys' starting lineup Sunday in a pivotal clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, broken finger and all.

The Cowboys (7-6) made his status official, backing up the star wide receiver's declarations over the past few days that he would play. Bryant fractured his left index finger in last Sunday's victory against the Cincinnati Bengals — he caught a 27-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter after suffering the injury — but grew increasingly confident as the week progressed that he would continue to play rather than undergo season-ending surgery.

The news wasn't so good for rookie cornerback Morris Claiborne, the first-round pick who suffered a concussion last week. Claiborne said Friday that he expected to play, but has been declared inactive. Mike Jenkins will start in Claiborne's spot.

Bryant, meanwhile, who has an NFL-high seven TD receptions over the past five games, will wear a customized splint and additional padding with his gloves to try to protect the finger. Even so, his effectiveness could hinge on how well he can manage pain.

Teammates expected Bryant would play, citing his passion.

"He loves to play the game," said quarterback Tony Romo. "Anybody who's around him for 10 minutes knows it's an important part of his life."

Romo, who played last season with fractured ribs, said the Cowboys haven't put any "undue pressure" on Bryant to play. But his presence could be significant against the No. 1-ranked Steelers defense that is without its best cornerback, Ike Taylor, who is nursing an ankle injury. Bryant, a third-year pro, is in the midst of his best season and has posted his first career 1,000-yard campaign.

"Dez, I'm proud of him," said tight end Jason Witten. "He's really elevated his game to a high level, at every aspect of the position."

How well Bryant plays with the injury remains to be seen. In addition to his ability to catch the football, there's the matter of securing the football, blocking and landing on the hand.

"It will be a challenge, no question," said Witten. "But he's not looking for excuses."

Bryant figures that it all starts in the mind.

"Can't think about it," he maintains. "I'm telling you, it's a mental thing. If you start believing you can't do it, you can't do it. If you believe you can do it, you can do it."