Irving, TX (SportsNetwork.com) – Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was held
out of practice for a third straight day on Friday, though the team remains
hopeful that the veteran’s ailing back will be healed enough for him to play
in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Romo is dealing with a contusion to his surgically repaired back, which he
suffered during the third quarter of Monday’s contest against Washington. The
three-time Pro Bowl selection was briefly replaced by Brandon Weeden, but did
manage to return late in regulation of a game Dallas eventually lost in
overtime.
The Cowboys likely won’t make a final determination on Romo’s status until
pregame warmups on Sunday, according to head coach Jason Garrett.
“Obviously, we have to see him move around at some point before the game
starts,” Garrett said prior to Friday’s practice. “Hopefully he can do
something today, and then we’ll have a walkthrough tomorrow. We’ve still got
about 48 hours until the game, so we want to give him every chance.”
Weeden handled all the first-team reps during the week and would make his
first start since December of last season if Romo is declared unable to go.
The onetime Cleveland Browns starter completed 4-of-6 passes for 69 yards and
a touchdown filling in for Romo on Monday.
Whichever quarterback plays on Sunday won’t have right tackle Doug Free at his
disposal, with the starting lineman ruled out with a sprained foot he
sustained against the Redskins.
Additionally, left guard Ronald Leary is questionable for Sunday’s matchup due
to a groin injury that kept him out of practice all week.
