IRVING, Texas -- Cole Beasley fumbled near the end of the first half against the New York Giants, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.

That kind of mistake could have made Beasley tentative, especially since he was involved in a similar play last season against Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day.

It didn't.

He made a key 16-yard catch in the fourth quarter, breaking three tackles before being tackled at the 1. Jason Witten caught a 1-yard touchdown pass on the next play as Dallas pulled within 23-20.

“I can only play one way," Beasley said. “I had the ball tucked away pretty good but it still got knocked out, so I need to do a better job, but you can't play scared."

That's the kind of attitude Beasley will need to continue to have because he figures to get even more involved in the Cowboys' offense with Dez Bryant expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a broken bone in his right foot.

Beasley, who caught 37 passes for 420 yards and four touchdowns last season, signed a four-year, $13.6 million deal.

The Cowboys chose to sign him over receiver Dwayne Harris because of his effectiveness as a pass receiver. Harris, who signed with the New York Giants in the offseason, was a better special teams player.

Beasley has earned Tony Romo's trust, and his precise route-running leads to plenty of opportunities on third down, but he could see the ball more on first and second down with Bryant out.

He's also returning punts.

“Anytime I can get the ball in my hands, it's good," Beasley said. "Wherever they put me and whatever they want me to do, it’s all good."