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A report from ESPN Insider Adam Schefter on Monday night stated that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Romo is reportedly suffering with a back injury, specifically a herniated disc. That's an injury that would require season-ending surgery.
The Cowboys haven't confirmed the report. According to Dallas's head coach Jason Garrett, Romo is still "day to day'. He wouldn't rule Romo out. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wouldn't rule Romo out either. Jones said Romo "might be cleared to play" against the Eagles. Um, sure.
The evidence says otherwise. It's not just Schefter reporting this Romo injury. A number of outlets are reporting this. The Cowboys clearly don't feel confident about Romo's chances either. The team is planning to work out free agent quarterbacks in order to find a guy who can backup Kyle Orton. Note that currently Romo and Orton are the only QB's on the Dallas roster.
The reason behind the Cowboys' reluctance to rule out Romo is because the source who spoke to Schefter didn't have the Cowboys' approval. Les Bowen said it best:
Like every team, Dallas wanted 2 keep QB status a mystery. Somebody talked. Now rest of week devoted 2 trying 2 convince us there's a chance
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) December 24, 2013
Don't let the Cowboys' attempt to save face fool you. It's just a smokescreen. Expect Kyle Orton to start against the Eagles in the Week 17 season finale.
