Dallas Cowboys are still hopeful that Kyle Orton will play

Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback

(18) throws prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are still hopeful that Kyle Orton will play football this season. There were some thoughts that he would hang up the cleats during the offseason, but they are hoping that he will come into camp and take some snaps from under center.

Orton has not been present during the offseason program to this point, but the team expects to see him return during the mandatory minicamp that starts up next month. Would he be returning to minicamp to avoid a fine or would he be returning to play some football?

If Orton were to retire, he would owe the Cowboys $3 million of his signing bonus. That would be enough reason for me to hold onto a clipboard for another season behind Tony Romo.

The team prepared this offseason for Orton possibly hanging up the cleats by signing Brandon Weeden in the offseason. Not exactly the greatest option for the team, but it is someone that can hold down the position for a little bit of time. If Romo is not throwing the ball, the Cowboys would be in big trouble anyway.