Report: Jason Witten won't need spleen surgery; could return by Week 2

Right now, it's unclear when Witten will return. (US Presswire)

Earlier in the preseason, Cowboys tight end Jason Witten took a hit from Oakland linebacker Rolando McClain in the first quarter of the exhibition against the Raiders, and the blow was enough to lacerate Witten's spleen.

Dallas coach Jason Garrett called it a serious injury, and he said Witten would miss the rest of the preseason while recuperating. He also said it'd be “very close” if Witten was ready for the regular-season opener.

Witten, though, recently got some good news when Cowboys doctors told him he wouldn't need season-ending surgery on his internal organ. According to ESPN.com, the spleen has stopped bleeding, and now, it can try to heal on its own.

It's unclear when Witten will return, though ESPN writes that it's likely he'd back in time for Week 2 vs. Seattle on Sept. 16.

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