Tuesday NFL preview: How the Cowboys will replace Dez Bryant

ByESPN.COM
September 15, 2015, 3:22 AM

— -- NFL Nation reporters look ahead to what Tuesday has in store for each team.

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills: Bills fans have always had reason to get amped up for a game against the Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium, but the addition of Rex Ryan this season only adds to the rivalry. Ryan said Monday he has had his plan for the Patriots in place for a while and might even get to go home early some nights this week. Ryan, who went 4-9 against the Patriots as coach of the Jets, called New England "the hunted" in the division. -- Mike Rodak

AFC NORTH

Baltimore RavensThe Ravens are staying on the West Coast in preparation for Sunday's game at Oakland. Baltimore is practicing all week at San Jose State to avoid another cross country flight. Asked if he's hoping for a return trip to the area where Super Bowl 50 will be played, coach John Harbaugh said, "Certainly. But we better get a couple of wins here in September to make that a possibility." -- Jamison Hensley

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans: Texans left tackle Duane Brown is playing with an injured right hand that he had wrapped Sunday against the Chiefs. Brown said it's not painful during games, it's only afterward when the pain sets in. Nonetheless, it will take more to keep him out of games. Texans coach Bill O'Brien said Brown will be ready for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. -- Tania Ganguli

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos: Denver is going from one quality pass-rushing 3-4 defense (Ravens) to another ( Kansas City Chiefs). To make matters worse, the Broncos play on Thursday night, leaving them little time to repair their pass protection issues from the opener. Denver had success on its last drive of Sunday's win with two-TE sets, so it'll bear watching whether that gets more use against the Chiefs. The Broncos were in a three- or four-WR sets on 48 snaps Sunday, more than most expected in the new offense and all four of the sacks on Peyton Manning came with the Broncos in a three-wide formation. -- Jeff Legwold

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys: Hours after Dez Bryant had surgery on his broken right foot, the Cowboys will begin Tuesday picking up the pieces for how to replace their Pro Bowl receiver. The process will be a little like their running game, going with a committee approach. Terrance Williams will slide into the No. 1 receiver role but Jason Garrett said Cole Beasley, Devin Street, Gavin Escobar and all of running backs will be counted on to do more with Bryant out. -- Todd Archer

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears: Head coach John Fox called Kyle Long's debut at right tackle "a mixed bag." Long vowed to improve at his new position after he admitted that he struggled in pass protection in Week 1. But the Bears have no plans to move Long back to right guard. Long is locked in at right tackle the remainder of the season, and may eventually line up at left tackle depending on what happens to Jermon Bushrod after the season. The Bears have Tuesday off but return to Halas Hall on Wednesday when Long will prepare in earnest to face the Arizona Cardinals. -- Jeff Dickerson

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta FalconsThe Falcons appear to have their running back for the immediate future with rookie Tevin Coleman winning the battle over Devonta Freeman in Week 1. Coleman, who started Monday night's game against the Eagles, showed a burst and ability to pick up tough yards. That doesn't mean Freeman, who missed all four preseason games with a hamstring injury, is out of the competition. But he'll need to make up some ground. -- Vaughn McClure

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals: Heading into their off day, the Cardinals will keep a close eye on Andre Ellington's right knee. He suffered a mild PCL sprain Sunday afternoon and could be out 1-3 weeks. The next few days will give Arizona a better idea of how well it's healing in advance of Sunday's game at Chicago. -- Josh Weinfuss