IRVING (AP) – The Dallas Cowboys couldn’t trust receiver Dez Bryant to even run the right routes less than two months ago.

Now they’re letting him dictate whether he plays with a broken left index finger. He’s insisting on waiting until after the season for surgery.

Bryant broke the finger on a catch against Cincinnati two weeks ago. He scored a critical touchdown in the 20-19 win after the injury and made it clear early last week that he would play against Pittsburgh.

Bryant looked like a decoy early against the Steelers but still extended his touchdown streak to six games in a 27-24 overtime victory.

The Cowboys (8-6) host New Orleans (6-8) on Sunday with their playoff fate in their hands.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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