Bryant expected to play

FRISCO, Texas — Dez Bryant is expected to return to action Sunday when the Dallas Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bryant, who has not played since injuring his right knee against Chicago on Sept. 25, was catching passes and running routes in practice Monday. Tony Romo and Tyron Smith were absent.

Bryant was limited last Wednesday, the team’s only practice during the bye week, with cuts on his right hand.

Doug Free and Morris Claiborne returned to practice after not participating last Wednesday.

Romo’s absence is the latest sign that rookie quarterback Dak Prescott will make his seventh consecutive start Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Romo has not practiced since suffering an L1 compression fracture on Aug. 25.

Smith continues to deal with a bulging disk in his back. The All-Pro left tackle missed the Chicago and San Francisco games but returned to play in the previous two games against Cincinnati and Green Bay.