Despite a preseason spleen injury that limited him to just eight catches over the first three weeks of the season, Witten finished 2012 with an NFL-record 110 receptions (the most ever by a tight end in a single season) and 1,039 receiving yards with three TDs.

Analysis: Over the last six seasons he's averaged around 92 catches, 1018 yards and five touchdowns, and as Tony Romo's most trusted weapon Witten should continue to be as reliable a fantasy option as they come. He's also 1,052 receiving yards shy of 10,000 for his career, which could give Romo even more…read more

Witten caught seven balls for 56 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Redskins.

Analysis: Witten, who caught seven of the eight balls thrown his way in this game, had a nice season, setting career bests in targets and receptions. That being said, his three touchdown catches marked his lowest total since 2009.

Witten caught six passes on eight targets for 60 yards in Sunday's loss to the Saints.

Analysis: In the process, he broke Tony Gonzalez's NFL single-season record for catches by a tight end and now has 103 receptions on the year with one game to go. Unless he gets completely shutout in Week 17 against the Redskins, Witten should also top 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career.

Witten caught five passes on eight targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Steelers.

Analysis: It's just his second score of the year, and first since Week 4, but with a favorable matchup against the Saints coming up next week Witten could pass both the 100-catch and 1000-yard marks in Week 16.

Witten led the Cowboys with four catches for 62 yards Sunday.

Analysis: Tony Romo spread the ball around to nine different receivers, so none of his big weapons had outstanding games. In fact Witten's four targets Sunday was the fewest times Romo has looked his way since Week 1, when Witten was still recovering from his spleen injury. His 92 catches on the season…read more

Witten caught six balls for 108 yards in Sunday's win over the Eagles.

Analysis: Witten led the Cowboys in receiving against the Eagles. Witten has been a consistent option for Tony Romo all season, as he has at least 40 receiving yards in nine straight games. He'll try to make it 10 straight against the Bengals in Week 14.

Witten caught nine passes for 74 yards in Thursday's 38-31 loss to the Redskins.

Analysis: With Tony Romo attempting 62 passes, Witten led the Cowboys on Thursday with a team-high 15 targets. Witten now has a league-high 82 catches for 710 yards to date, with the only blemish on his fantasy log being that he has only scored once this season.

Romo flawless on Thanksgiving

In his "Week 12 Predictions" analysis, Elliot Harrison points out Tony Romo is "5-0 on Thanksgiving and 21-3 in November." FULL WEEK 12 PREDICTIONS

Analysis: Romo should find plenty of opportunities to connect with red-hot Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten. The Redskins are allowing an average of 289 yards passing per game and are one of only six teams to allow 20 -plus passing scores this year.

Witten caught seven passes on eight targets for 51 yards Sunday.

Analysis: This is actually an encouraging line, as despite the fact that the Cowboys' offensive line has been gutted by injuries -- including a high ankle sprain to left tackle Tyron Smith on Sunday -- Witten was still able to slip out as a receiver rather than being chained to the line as a blocker. Expect…read more

Witten caught eight passes on 10 targets for 47 yards in Sunday's win over the Eagles.

Analysis: His owners in PPR leagues aren't complaining, but Witten was used almost exclusively as a check down and safety valve by Tony Romo in this one, never getting a chance to gain much yardage. Expect another productive effort from Witten next week against a weak Browns pass defense.

Romo worth starting

In his Week 10 "Higher or Lower" analysis, fantasy expert Jason Smith notes, "Tony Romo seems to have righted himself enough to be worthy of starting again. He's figured things out: Throw it to Miles Austin and Jason Witten and leave Dez Bryant out of things. He's averaged more than 15 fantasy points per game the last month -- and 15 points is a viable start from your quarterback." READ: HIGHER/LOWER

Analysis: With an anemic rushing attack and possible renewed focus on the passing game, Romo and company should find success against an Eagles defense which has allowed 12 passing scores compared to 7 interceptions.

Witten caught seven passes for 51 yards in Sunday's loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: With his fourth catch of the night, he passed Michael Irvin to become the Cowboys' all-time leader in receptions. Through eight games this year, the almost-certain future Hall of Famer is now on pace for a career-high 116 catches and his fourth season of 1000-plus yards receiving.

Witten sets historic mark

In his Week 9 "Like/Dislike" analysis, fantasy expert Adam Rank notes, "Jason Witten is only the third player in NFL history to have back-to-back games with at least 15 receptions, joining Wes Welker and Brandon Marshall." FULL LIKE/DISLIKE ANALYSIS

Analysis: Witten has returned to being Tony Romo's safety net, and he should be relied on heavily against a Falcons defense which ranks 10th against the pass.

Witten, Romo back to normal

In his "Move the Sticks" report, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah notes, "Jason Witten had 18 receptions and the Dallas Cowboys had 17 rush attempts. The Cowboys definitely committed to the pass in a 29-24 loss to the New York Giants. Tony Romo threw the ball 62 times and Witten was his intended target on 22 of those throws." READ: WEEK 8 NOTES

Analysis: Witten and Romo have built their chemistry back to normal expectations after a slow start. Consider Witten a must-start moving forward.

Witten caught 18 passes on 22 targets for 167 yards Sunday against the Giants.

Analysis: A monster performance for Witten, who benefitted greatly from the Cowboys falling behind early and being forced to air it out. While fantasy owners were surely celebrating the big output, they had to be slightly disappointed that he racked up all those catches and yards, but failed to get into the…read more

Witten caught six passes (on eight targets) for 44 yards Sunday at Carolina.

Analysis: This marks another quiet week for Witten, who has only found the end zone once this season and is on pace for his lowest receiving yards total since 2006. Now that his early season health issues are behind him, better days should be ahead, though, so owners who have stuck with him this long should…read more

Witten caught six passes for 88 yards in Sunday's loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: After a slow start to the season due to a preseason spleen injury, Witten now has an even 200 receiving yards over his last two games. As Tony Romo's security blanket, he should be a very dependable option at tight end going forward.

Witten caught 13 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown Monday against the Bears.

Analysis: Witten's game busted a major slump as the tight end secured all but one of his targets on the night. Hopefully Monday finally put his spleen and drop issues behind him, heading into a tough matchup against the Ravens in Week 5.

Witten (spleen) caught just two passes on six targets for a paltry eight yards in Sunday's win over the Bucs.

Analysis: Witten had two drops on balls he normally tucks away, and it's clear he's not yet all the way back from his spleen injury. The Cowboys will play one more game before their bye week, which will hopefully give Witten a chance to heal up, but his fantasy owners should strongly consider another option…read more

Witten (spleen) is active for Sunday's contest against Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Witten's targets increased from five to 10 over the first two weeks, making him a decent play against a vulnerable Buccaneers' secondary.

Witten (spleen) is probable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, DallasCowboys.com reports.

Analysis: With just six catches for 68 yards, Witten is off to a slow start so far, but he looked sharper in Week 2 as he hauled in four catches for 58 yards.

Witten (spleen) had four receptions for 58 yards in Sunday's loss to Seattle.

Analysis: The Cowboys were down early and played catch-up for the rest of the game, allowing the Seahawks to put relentless pressure on Tony Romo. Although Witten only had four receptions, he was targeted 10 times and averaged 14.5 YPC. He is still getting the opportunities so don't hesitate to keep him in…read more

Witten (spleen) is active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: There is still some concern about the workload Witten will see, but he's ready to roll again Sunday, after seeing a very limited number of targets for Dallas in Week 1.

Witten (spleen) is probable for Sunday's game against Seattle, DallasCowboys.com reports.

Analysis: Witten carries some risk as he attempts to shake off the rust, but he'll be in for his usual workload barring aggravation.

Jason Witten: (Spleen) Practices Fully

Witten (spleen) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, the Cowboys' official site reports.

Analysis: Witten has not yet experienced a setback since last Wednesday's season opener. Barring that, he should remain active for Sunday's tilt at Seattle.

Witten (spleen) hasn't has any setbacks after playing in Week 1, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: "It sounds like he came out of the game OK," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said. "He seemed good after the game." Witten, who saw the field for just 53 of 68 snaps in Week 1 (a small workload for him) will probably see more action against the Seahawks in Week 2 once he gets a full week of…read more

Witten (spleen) caught two passes for 10 yards Wednesday against the Giants.

Analysis: Medically cleared before kickoff, Witten predictably looked rusty in all aspects of his game, as he labored thru the Cowboys' win. It may be wise to wait another week or two of full practices before relying on Witten as your main option at TE.

Jason Witten: Suits Up Wednesday

Witten (spleen) is listed as active for Wednesday's season opener against the Giants.

Analysis: Though he went into the game listed as doubtful, Witten was evidently medically cleared before the game and will suit up Wednesday. How close to a full workload he'll see remains unclear, but he'll give it a go Wednesday.

Witten (spleen) was spotted on the field stretching prior to Wednesday's game against the Giants, Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: That doesn't really tell us much other than to suggest that Witten (listed as doubtful) hasn't totally given up on the idea of playing Wednesday. We'll know for sure one way or the other soon enough though, once the Cowboys release their inactives.

Witten made the trip for Wednesday's game against the Giants and despite being officially listed as doubtful, Cowboys officials say that he is a game-time decision for the contest, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: He still needs medical clearance to play and despite Witten's reported willingness to sign a medical waiver that would absolve the Cowboys of any liability should he re-injure his spleen Wednesday, it still seems most likely that the team will exercise caution here, with an eye toward welcoming (a…read more

Witten doubtful for opener

The Cowboys announced Tuesday that Witten is listed as doubtful with the lacerated spleen injury that's kept his status for the regular season opener a pure mystery in recent weeks.

Analysis: There's still an outside chance Witten could play, but fantasy owners should have a back up plan in place. It's the first game of the week, so if he's scratched there will be enough time to play someone else.

Jason Witten: (Spleen) Doubtful for Opener

Witten is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's regular season opener against the Giants, as he recovers from a lacerated spleen, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: With Colin Cochart ruled out for Wednesday, the Cowboys will roll with John Phillips and James Hanna at the tight end position Wednesday. Assuming Witten is made inactive -- and the doubtful designation all but assures that -- then he'll no doubt benefit from the added healing time he'll be…read more

Jason Witten: (Spleen) Works Again Monday

Witten (spleen) practiced Monday morning, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Witten's availability for Wednesday's season opener will be determined by the results of a CT scan that he has scheduled for Tuesday. There's been optimism that Witten could get the green light for Wednesday, and we certainly don't discount his toughness and/or durability, but the report cited here…read more

Jason Witten: Gets Some Work In Sunday

Witten (spleen) got some practice in following the media access portion of Sunday's session, ESPN's Todd Archer reports.

Analysis: The report suggests that QB Tony Romo and owner Jerry Jones think that Witten has a shot to play Wednesday against the Giants. Neither are doctors of course, so we'll take that with a grain of salt, but the report did add that Witten will undergo a scan on Tuesday before the team heads to New…read more

Witten (spleen) was not spotted during the media access portion of practice Sunday, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Witten's status for Wednesday's (9/5) opener remains uncertain, but we wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys play it safe here and hold the tight end out until their September 16 Week 2 contest against the Seahawks.

Jason Witten: (Spleen) Will Work Out Saturday

Witten (spleen) will do some on-field work during Saturday's practice, the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis: He hasn't been cleared for contact yet, though, and with a short week to get ready for the Giants it still seems unlikely that the tight end will suit up for Week 1.

Jason Witten: (Spleen) Not Yet Cleared To Play In Opener

Witten (lacerated spleen) has yet to be medically cleared to play in the Cowboys' regular-season opener, which is Wednesday against the Giants, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: The report adds that even if Witten is eventually medically cleared to play this coming week, that doesn't guarantee that the Cowboys will turn him loose in Week 1. After the Cowboys open their season Sept. 5, the team's next game isn't until Sept. 16, so the team must weigh the benefits and risks…read more

Witten's doctor reportedly gave him a very positive report based on Tuesday's examination, ESPN 103.3's Matt Mosley reports. The Cowboys' tight end is bouncing back from a lacerated spleen.

Analysis: The report adds that Witten remains a "50-50" proposition for the Cowboys' September 5 season opener against the Giants, but the fact that he even has a chance to play in that game is a great sign overall, especially for those who nabbed Witten at a discounted rate following his injury. In case, as…read more

Jason Witten: Had Spleen Scanned Tuesday

Witten had his lacerated spleen scanned Tuesday, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: He expects to find out the results later in the evening. Witten suffered the injury during the Aug. 13 preseason opener against Oakland, and with the team's Week 1 game against the Giants just over a week away, it seems Witten is in danger of missing his first regular-season game since 2003. He…read more

Jason Witten: Making Progress

Witten (spleen) was able to work out with the Cowboys' training staff during Monday's practice, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: Although this is good news for Witten and his fantasy owners, his status for Week 1 is still very much up in the air. Given his tough-guy status, though (this is a player who's only ever missed one game in his career, and that was due to a broken jaw), we wouldn't rule him out completely just yet.

Jason Witten: Meeting With Doctor on Tap for Tuesday

Witten (spleen) will meet with his doctor Tuesday to hopefully determine when he's be able to get back on the field, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: "Everything's going fairly well," head coach Jason Garrett said. "Hopefully, we can get an OK from that (Tuesday meeting). But this is all normal within the process of what we thought right from the outset." Witten should be considered questionable, at best, right now for Week 1, but we should have…read more

The Cowboys consider Witten (spleen) "50-50" for the Week 1 opener against the Giants, ESPN 103.3's Matt Mosley reports.

Analysis: The Cowboys' view might be overly optimistic,as ESPN's Adam Schefter has stated that a Week 2 return is more likely, especially considering Week 1 for the Cowboys is Sept. 5, or four days before every other team. Fantasy owners of Witten might do well to scour the waiver wire for a potential backup…read more

Jason Witten: Won't Need Surgery

Witten will not need to have surgery on his lacerated spleen, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: That's a big break, because if surgery had been required, it would likely have ended Witten's season. Instead, since the bleeding has subsided, doctors believe that his spleen will heal on its own. While Witten has said that he hopes to return for the Cowboys' season opener Sept. 5, ESPN's Adam…read more

Witten, who must remain idol until the end of next week, says that he would "be hard-pressed to imagine not being out there against the Giants," in Week 1, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: That said, Witten acknowledges that "there is no timetable right now," noting further that rest is the only thing he can do at this point. In any case, his lacerated spleen has put his streak of 139 consecutive regular season starts in jeopardy.

Officially, Witten has a slightly lacerated spleen and must remain "still and idle" the next 8-to-10 days, according to Dallas coach Jason Garrett, the NFL Network reports.

Analysis: After the aforementioned length of time, Witten will be reevaluated, but as of right now, surgery is not on the docket.

Jason Witten: Spleen Will Not Require Surgery

Witten reportedly does not have a ruptured spleen and will not require surgery, the NFL Network reports.

Analysis: This is indeed the best news to emerge Wednesday, considering the initial doubts surrounding the injury. He still has questionable availability for the Cowboys' Week 1 kickoff, but his prospects have certainly brightened.

ESPN.com confirms that Witten suffered a spleen injury Monday against the Raiders.

Analysis: As a result, Witten's availability for the Cowboys' Sept. 5 regular-season opener is in question, though initially, the team has expressed hope that their star tight end (who is backed up by John Phillips) will be out there.

The Cowboys are currently hopeful that Witten -- who suffered an internal injury during Monday's preseason contest -- will be available to play against the Giants in Week 1, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Other sources have indicated, more specifically, that Witten suffered a spleen injury. In any case, he is undergoing further testing Tuesday and will be continue to be evaluated. If Witten is forced to miss extended time, John Phillips would likely fill in as the starter at tight end for the…read more

Reports have surfaced that Witten suffered a spleen injury in Monday's night's preseason game against the Raiders, danpatrick.com reports.

Analysis: At this point details are filtering in and we'll await conformation, one way or the other, from the Cowboys or the team's beat writers, but that should come soon. Assuming the report is accurate, it is unknown if Witten would need surgery. In any case, Witten's availability for the preseason -- and…read more

Witten caught two passes for six yards during Monday's preseason game.

Analysis: The first team offense wasn't on the field for many plays, but Tony Romo still looked Witten's way more often than any other target. The tight end is in line to put up his usual outstanding numbers this season.

After a quick start to the 2011 season Witten's numbers tailed off, and he finished the year with 79 catches for 942 yards and five TDs.

Analysis: The receptions and yardage totals were solid but were still his worst numbers since 2006, as were his 117 targets, and in a season where other tight ends exploded into fantasy superstars Witten's owners had to be a bit disappointed in his output. Laurent Robinson's emergence as Tony Romo's new…read more

Witten had a team-high seven catches for 69 yards in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

Analysis: It was a steady performance by Witten, but for the sixth-straight game he failed to score. The usually reliable All-Pro tight end had a particularly poor close to the 2011 season.

Witten caught four passes for 77 yards Saturday.

Analysis: It's his best yardage performance since Week 10. Laurent Robinson's emergence, especially as a comfortable red zone target for Tony Romo, has cut into Witten's recent performances, but he may just be able to squeak in for his third straight 1,000-yard season.

Witten had a slow evening Sunday against the Cowboys, finishing with three catches for 12 yards.

Analysis: Tony Romo was hitting big plays to his receivers on the outside all night, and Witten wasn't much of a factor. Despite the meager output, the Cowboys' tight end remains one of the best options at his position. Continue to start him with confidence next week at Tampa Bay.

Witten caught three passes for 85 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Redskins.

Analysis: It was Witten's highest yardage total since Week 4, and he also hasn't caught more than five passes in a game over that stretch. Tony Romo will eventually look his way more often, but right now the ball is being spread around too much in the Cowboys' passing game for any one receiver to post huge…read more

Witten caught five passes for just 37 yards Sunday.

Analysis: The Cowboys surged out to a huge lead in the first half and basically shut down the passing game after that, which cut into Witten's productivity. It was a big day for him nonetheless, as Witten has now passed Ozzie Newsome for third on the all-time tight end receptions list with 666. He's unlikely…read more