Tony Romo Injury: Dallas Cowboys QB’s back hasn’t improved much following epidural injection
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) scrambles against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys will most likely have to face the Philadelphia Eagles this week without star quarterback Tony Romo, who suffered a herniated disk in the team’s narrow victory over the Washington Redskins. Romo saved the team from an embarrassing upset that would have almost certainly caused Jason Garrett to be fired, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll be out there for this week’s playoff-deciding tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter earlier this week that Romo would be done for the year, but the Cowboys brass haven’t officially commented on his injury status. That’s left things up-in-the-air, but I hope nobody expected the Cowboys to give any official statements. They are wisely keeping the Eagles on their heels and are unwilling to make any open calls on Romo’s status. Based on the severity of Romo’s injury, the wise move is to hold him out of this week’s game, even if it means likely missing the playoffs. Firstly, there is no guarantee that the Kyle Orton-led Cowboys will lose, and Romo’s health going forward is more important than a barely-get-in playoff appearance and Jason Garrett’s job security. The Cowboys would love to have Romo healthy and get in the playoffs, but it’s not worth the risk.
Romo is an extremely tough player, and he’s doing everything he can to play on Sunday. ESPN’s Ed Werder reported earlier this week that Romo underwent an epidural injection (his second of the year, interestingly enough) to help alleviate the pain. However, Werder is now reporting that Romo’s injury has barely improved. Not only that, but Romo didn’t practice or attend the Cowboys game-planning session, so it’s becoming clear that Romo is almost no chance of playing this week.
It will be interesting to see if there is any evidence refuting all of these strong reports, but it’s hard to believe that Romo is going to play this week. He’ll try and the Cowboys will likely milk things out as long as possible, but even Jerry Jones knows that Romo’s long-term health is the most important thing for this franchise; he’s the most important player in the organization, after all.