Tony Romo - Pro Football Rumors

Jerry Jones: Tony Romo To Serve As Backup

November 15th, 2016 at 9:39am CST by Zachary Links

Over the weekend, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed that Dak Prescott will start for the Cowboys in Week 11 while Tony Romo serves as the backup. Jones stopped short saying that the rookie will start for the remainder of the season, but in an interview this morning he implied that the job belongs to Prescott and he will not be on a short leash. Prescott “won’t be looking over his shoulder,” Jones said (Twitter link via Charean Williams of the Star Telegram).

Jones also told 105.3 The Fan that he has had the conversation with Romo about dressing and being the backup (Twitter link). Romo, we’ve heard, is not overly pleased with the situation. Jones said that he thinks Romo will make a great offensive coordinator when his playing days are through, and that’s likely not much of a consolation for the 36-year-old.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Romo, but the Cowboys would be hard-pressed to make any other choice as they sit atop the NFL with an 8-1 record.

Cowboys Going With Prescott Over Romo

November 13th, 2016 at 8:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

Tony Romo will suit up for the Cowboys next week for the first time this season, but the longtime starter will do so as the backup, Jerry Jones said Sunday night (via Todd Archer of ESPN.com).

Dak Prescott will start in Week 11 for the Cowboys against the Ravens, with the owner pointing out the obvious after the rookie led Dallas to its eighth straight victory on Sunday.

“We’re going to let this decision in this case make itself,” Jones said. “Dak’s got a hot hand, and we’re going to go with it. It’s not hard at all,” he added. “Tony would make the same decision. That’s what you do.”

These updates and non-updates have become commonplace in the NFL news cycle over the past few weeks, with the 36-year-old Romo nearly ready to return to action after suffering a severe back injury in the preseason. Jones previously said the team was going to ride the hot hand, and with the Cowboys having won eight straight regular-season games for the first time since their 1977 Super Bowl championship season, Prescott has it. The Mississippi State product completed 22-of-32 passes for 319 yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys’ 35-30 win over the Steelers.

Sunday represented Prescott’s first 300-yard passing game as a pro, and although Ezekiel Elliott again played the lead role for Dallas, its fourth-round rookie proved capable in a big spot.

We heard earlier today Romo was going to serve as the backup going forward, and the Pro Bowl passer has “taken it hard.” While probably a more reliable passer at this point in the quarterbacks’ respective careers, Romo has become a major injury risk in his mid-30s, having missed 21 of the Cowboys’ past 25 games. The organization’s decision obviously doesn’t make the Cowboys’ 10-year starter a full-time backup, but it certainly gives Prescott the upper hand.

Latest On Tony Romo, Dak Prescott

November 13th, 2016 at 9:35am CST by Rory Parks

On the latest installment of “The Young and the Romo,” we learn that, although Tony Romo will not be in uniform for this week’s matchup against the Steelers, his return is imminent. As David Moore of the Dallas Morning News writes, Romo was a full participant in practice for three days this past week for the first time this season. If he continues on that trajectory, there is a good chance that Romo will be active as Dak Prescott‘s backup against the Ravens next week.

The key word there, of course, is “backup.” With Romo so close to being activated, ESPN’s Ed Werder hears from a team source that, although Prescott himself continues to handle the situation professionally and diplomatically, Romo’s impending availability and the chance that he could usurp Prescott could have a negative impact on Dallas’ team chemistry (Twitter links). After all, Romo surely has his supporters in the locker room who would like to see him return to action as soon as he is ready, but it would be difficult to justify such a move considering how well the team is performing under Prescott’s young but steady hand.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that, once activated, Romo will indeed serve as Prescott’s backup, but that Prescott must continue to perform in order to keep his job. Rapoport adds that the entire situation has been difficult for Romo, who has “taken it hard.” Nonetheless, Rapoport says that the veteran signal-caller will be a “good team guy” and will bide his time as the Cowboys’ backup until he is called upon (Twitter links).

With Prescott running the show, the Cowboys have jumped out to a 7-1 record and a two-game lead in the NFC East. The Cowboys are increasingly viewed as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and their rookie quarterback is one of the biggest reasons why.

NFC Notes: Romo, Vaccaro, Vikings

November 11th, 2016 at 9:37pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Quarterback Tony Romo is unlikely to be in uniform when the Cowboys face the Steelers on Sunday, but when he does return from a back injury, it seems probable he’ll serve as rookie standout Dak Prescott‘s backup. If that happens, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones expects Romo to accept the role with grace. “Any athlete who’s played a sport they want to contribute and certainly he does,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Friday (via Max Meyer of NFL.com). “At the same time Tony’s the consummate team player and I think if it meant as part of the process with Tony going into games as a backup then, I don’t want to speak for him, but my guess would be that he would.” The answer will come soon enough, as the four-time Pro Bowler practiced in full this week. If Romo isn’t active Sunday (he’s currently questionable), he should be back for the Cowboys’ Week 11 matchup against Baltimore.

NFC Notes: Romo, Cousins, Eagles, Saints

November 9th, 2016 at 7:16pm CST by Ben Levine

Tony Romo ran the scout team for 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills during today’s Cowboys practice, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says (via Twitter) this a clear indication that the quarterback won’t be active this weekend. However, there is optimism for Romo’s return, as the 36-year-old was listed as a full participant in practice for the first time this year.

For what it’s worth, Romo’s teammates were excited for his return.

“He looks great,” linebacker Sean Lee told ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. “I mean he looks like he hasn’t missed a beat. His ability to throw the ball, I always say I’ve been here seven years and I haven’t been near a football when he goes against us just because of how great he is with this eyes, how quick he is with his release. It’s amazing taking the time off, he looks fantastic, like he hasn’t missed any time.”

Let’s take a look at some other notes from the NFC…

As the Eagles look to fill their final roster spot, coach Doug Pederson told Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com that wideout Paul Turner or cornerback Aaron Grymes could be possible candidates for the opening (Twitter link). Grymes, a former CFL standout, has been on the Eagles’ practice squad since late October. Turner, an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Tech, has been on the practice squad all season.
Before signing linebacker Sam Barrington earlier today, the Saints looked at a handful of defenders. According to Nick Underhill of The Advocate (via Twitter), the team worked out linebackers James-Michael Johnson, John Lotulelei, Casey Matthews, and Jason Trusnik.
The Redskins final eight games will not only determine their playoff fate, but they’ll also determine quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ future in Washington, writes ESPN.com’s John Keim. Since the team is seeking consistency from their signal-callers, Keim takes a look at Cousins’ potential performances against his upcoming opponents.

Latest On Cowboys’ Quarterbacks

November 8th, 2016 at 8:38pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Cowboys are an NFC-best 7-1 under rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, but that doesn’t mean he’ll keep the starting job ffor the rest of the year. Prescott only took the reins in the first place because of the broken bone Tony Romo suffered in his back in an Aug. 25 preseason game. Now, with Romo’s return perhaps drawing closer, owner Jerry Jones isn’t willing to commit to either signal-caller.

“What we are going to do — play by play, series by series and game by game – is (consider) what’s in the best interest of winning the game,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday (via A.J. Perez of USA Today).

Jones’ comments are a departure from his assertion last month that Romo would take over upon coming back, but he has still left the door open for the four-time Pro Bowler to usurp the starting job from Prescott at some point. Dallas would first have to activate Romo, who Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Sunday isn’t close to returning. Jones seems somewhat more confident, saying Tuesday that Romo will step up his work in practice this week in advance of the Cowboys’ game in Pittsburgh.

“He has to absolutely get ready to play at his top level,” Jones stated.

While Romo has a laundry list of accomplishments in his 14-year career and still expects to reclaim his longtime role, it’s difficult to imagine the Cowboys turning away from Prescott barring a collapse. As evidenced by the Cowboys’ record – not to mention their third-ranked passing DVOA and NFC-leading point differential – they’ve been resoundingly successful this year, and Prescott hasn’t merely been a passenger. The fourth-round pick from Mississippi State is toward the top of the NFL in yards per attempt (8.15) and passer rating (104.2). Prescott has also completed 66.5 percent of aerial attempts and added 16 touchdown (12 passing, four rushing) against a meager two interceptions. Despite his statistical brilliance, it seems the 23-year-old will have to continue making a weekly case to remain Dallas’ top option under center.

Jerry Jones: Tony Romo Will Be Active Soon

November 6th, 2016 at 8:57am CST by Sam Robinson

SUNDAY, 8:57am: Unlike Jones, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com believes Romo will not be suiting up for a game anytime soon, either in a starter’s role or as a backup (article via Kevin Patra of NFL.com). Rapoport reports that Romo remains in the beginning stages of his return and has yet to fully participate in practices, as he has not even taken real team reps yet. So it may be that Jason Garrett will be able to put off his difficult decision for another couple of weeks.

SATURDAY, 9:54pm: His preseason recovery timelines pointing to this sector of the schedule for a return date, Tony Romo is set to be inactive against the Browns on Sunday. Dak Prescott will start the Cowboys’ eighth game, but Romo might have already been plugged back in had Prescott floundered.

Jerry Jones, though, said the 36-year-old quarterback will suit up for a game soon. The owner categorizes Romo as being further along now than he was when he returned last November from his collarbone injury before reinjuring it in his second game back.

“He is ahead off where he came back and played last year,” Jones said during a radio interview with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas (via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). “We need to see more. There is no need to not see more. This is about need as it relates to winning a game.”

The longtime owner said earlier this week the Cowboys will lean on the hot hand, Prescott, until Romo is fully ready to return. The fourth-round rookie being a far superior option to the inefficient Kellen Moore/Brandon Weeden/Matt Cassel troika of last season gives Dallas the luxury of being patient here. The Cowboys are 6-1 for the second time in three years and have the NFC’s best record, with the NFL’s lone winless outfit on deck.

Dallas has gone 78-49 in Romo starts since he took the reins from Drew Bledsoe in October of 2006. A four-time Pro Bowler, Romo threw for 34 touchdown passes compared to nine interceptions during his last healthy season, in 2014. Prescott has thrown nine TD passes compared to two INTs this season.

Romo is reportedly glad the Cowboys have found his presumptive successor after a lengthy time spent trying, but the the question will come soon as to which of these quarterbacks will be the backup as Dallas attempts to secure home-field advantage for the first time since Romo’s first full season as a starter, 2007.

Extra Points: Romo, Cousins, Giants, Browns

November 4th, 2016 at 9:33pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

It’s possible rookie sensation Dak Prescott has permanently taken Tony Romo‘s job as the Cowboys’ No. 1 quarterback, but the injured veteran still expects to start when he’s healthy enough. At the same time, he’s pleased with Prescott’s success. “Tony wants the organization to be left in good hands when he’s finished playing, and he can see that Dak is going to be that guy,” one of Romo’s friends told Jason King of Bleacher Report. “They’ve found his successor, and Tony is happy about that.” Romo returned to practice last week from the broken bone he suffered in his back during the Cowboys’ penultimate preseason game on Aug. 25. That injury opened the door for Prescott, who has helped the Cowboys to an NFC-best 6-1 start while posting superb numbers.

Tony Romo Returns To Cowboys Practice

October 27th, 2016 at 3:07pm CST by Zachary Links

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo practiced today for the first time since his injury. The Cowboys officially announced the news while listing him as “limited” on the injury report.

At the time of Romo’s injury, the plan was for rookie Dak Prescott to hold down the fort until the veteran could make his mid-season return. Of course, Prescott has taken off in his six games under center, leading Dallas to a 5-1 record. While Prescott’s play has been a pleasant surprise for Dallas, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones did hedge his bets a tad in August when asked about the possibility of a Drew Bledsoe/Tom Brady situation.

“I can’t imagine a scenario where Tony’s not our quarterback when he’s ready,” Jones said. “But things happen. You know that. You know what happened to Bledsoe and Brady. I’m sure Tony’s aware of that. But the reality is, Tony’s going to come back for us and play great, we believe.”

Romo only played in four games in 2015, tossing five touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has been eager to show what he can do in 2016, but it’s not clear when or if he’ll get that opportunity. When Romo does return, he’s likely to be holding the clipboard for Prescott.

Latest On Tony Romo

October 23rd, 2016 at 2:48pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is no lock to return even in Week 8 following Dallas’ bye, and could quickly be ruled out for Week 9 as well, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. The club has “no expectation” that Romo will be ready to even serve as a backup when the Cowboys face the Browns in Week 9, sources tell La Canfora.

MRIs have continued to indicate that Romo is progressing well in his recovery from a preseason back injury, but the veteran QB hasn’t yet been cleared to practice. Romo, 36, could be forced to undergo more MRIs before he’s allowed to get back on the practice field, reports La Canfora. Once Romo is able to return, the Cowboys and head coach Jason Garrett would then be faced with a choice between Romo and rookie signal-caller Dak Prescott.

Prescott, of course, is playing exceptionally well thus far in his rookie campaign, and will force the Cowboys to make a tough call if and when Romo is healthy. Through six games, Prescott has led Dallas to a 5-1 record while completing 68.7% of his passes for seven touchdowns and one interception. The fourth-round rookie has added another three scores on the ground.