Jason Garrett: 'Dez Bryant's determination boosted team morale'

Jason Garrett has said that Dez Bryant's determination to play through injury lifted the whole Dallas Cowboys team.

The wide receiver was told he may need surgery to repair a fractured finger, but said that the injury would not stop him playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday.

The head coach told the Cowboys' website: "Dez was very emotional early in the week about, 'I am playing in this game' and I think when you are a football player and you see a guy be so unequivocal about that and say, 'I'm doing it,' regardless of what the heck this thing is, 'I'm playing, I need to play,' I think it has a real positive impact on your football team.

"I think that is a real tribute to his toughness, first and foremost as a human being, and his passion for playing and passion for this football team."

The 24-year-old scored a touchdown in the Cowboys' win over the Steelers.