Jerry Jones confident 3 injured Cowboys starters will play against Bengals in Week 5

The Cowboys are 3-1 but along the way, they’ve experienced a number of injuries. Heading into the team’s Week 5 matchup with the Bengals, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is expressing confidence in seeing the returns of some of those players.

Offensive tackle Tyron Smith, cornerback Orlando Scandrick and kicker Dan Bailey are among the players Jones expressed optimism about seeing play against the Bengals.

"I think there's a real likely that all three may be playing,” Jones said on his weekly radio show with 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas (via DallasCowboys.com). “But, again, whoever is listening needs to be prepared for them not playing, because they've got to get out there and see how it feels from getting work in this week. But I think there's a good chance they play."

Smith missed Weeks 3 and 4 with a back injury while Scandrick missed those same games with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2. For Bailey, he played on Sunday against the 49ers, but per DallasCowboys.com, he's dealing with a back injury that began on Sunday morning of Week 4. While the Cowboys may bring someone in this week to practice with the team, it doesn’t seem like Bailey’s Week 5 availability is in question.

"We're planning on having Dan,” Jones said. “You might bring in somebody that could do some kicking for you at practice a couple of days, to practice against, to work our protection against. But I don't think any of us think Dan's situation is not going to allow him to play.”

As for star wide receiver Dez Bryant, he’s being classified as day-to-day with a knee injury. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport says the injury is a bone bruise, though it’s also been referred to as a hairline fracture.

“If he can do some work this week, then that might mean he can do more on Friday,” Jones said. “If he can do that kind of thing, then he might be in line."

We’ll know more once the injury reports begin rolling out for both the Bengals and Cowboys on Wednesday.