Dez Bryant was getting set to make a triumphant return to the NFL, then fate intervened

LESS than one day after signing a new contract to make his grand return to the NFL, heartbreak struck for a superstar player.

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys walks on the sideline during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

WIDE receiver Dez Bryant tweeted his dismay Friday as an injury derailed his return to the NFL in just his second practice with the New Orleans Saints.

NFL Network reported the Saints feared Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon that would prevent him taking the field for them this season.

To make matters worse, the injury came on the very final play of the practice session for the star receiver.

Bryant didn’t confirm the nature of his injury, but indicated it was something serious.

“Things was just starting to heat up for me,” he tweeted. “I won’t question the man upstairs … this is the ultimate test Thank you everyone for the prayers.”

Things was just starting to heat up for me... I won’t question the man upstairs... this is the ultimate test.. thank you everyone for the prayers

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 9, 2018

The only initial comment from the Saints was a listing on their Friday injury report, which showed Bryant as “questionable” for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati with an ankle injury.

But NFL Network reported Bryant had to be helped off the field after he was hurt running a routine route and was undergoing an MRI.

Saints fear WR Dez Bryant tore his Achilles on the last play of practice today, as @nflnetwork also reported.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2018

Bryant, a former star receiver with the Dallas Cowboys, inked the one-year contract with the Saints on Thursday. The 30-year-old hasn’t played an NFL game since January 1 when the Cowboys finished the 2017 season against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dallas released Bryant on April 13, a split the player called “personal” and not his choice.

On Thursday he was all smiles in photos posted on Twitter at the prospect of playing in a Saints offence with prolific quarterback Drew Brees, who this year overtook Peyton Manning at the top of the NFL’s all-time passing yardage standings.

The Saints currently sit second in the National Football Conference and are riding a seven-game win streak, there last win came against the previously undefeated Los Angeles Rams.

Adding Bryant to their high-powered offence would’ve taken them to a whole new level and made them a clear favourite to not only reach the Super Bowl, but claim the title.

Players from around the NFL couldn’t quite believe the news and tweeted their support for the player who routinely tore shreds through opposing defences.

Say it ain’t so... prayers up. https://t.co/ciCRlvZoAV

— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) November 9, 2018

Damn I feel so bad for my brother Dez.. saddest story I’ve heard all day..

— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) November 9, 2018

Best believe we throwing up the X still bro 🙅🏾‍♂️ #weallwegot

— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) November 9, 2018

You already know it’s gonna end up just like it should. The sport is what you do but not who you are. Praying for you brotha.. hit me anytime @DezBryant https://t.co/BLOkQFfUDr

— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) November 10, 2018

Originally published as Dez Bryant was getting set to make a triumphant return to the NFL, then fate intervened