Report: Tony Romo has been cleared medically, decision now up to coaches

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is not expected to return in Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that does not mean his back needs more time to heal.

ESPN’s Ed Werder is reporting that Romo has been cleared medically and the decision on when he suits up is now up to the coaching staff.

Sources: When Tony Romo dresses in uniform and available to play for #Cowboys has moved from medical decision to coaching decision.

— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) November 9, 2016

Source says that Tony Romo feels he has recovered from preseason compression fracture in back, ready to play, capable of taking #NFL hits.

— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) November 9, 2016

What does that mean? If Romo has truly been cleared by the team’s medical staff, that is the first clear indication we have that the Cowboys are planning to stick with Dak Prescott over the veteran.

We’ve said all along that the best way for the Cowboys to avoid an awkward situation would be to claim Romo needs more time to recover. That way, they give off the impression that the Prescott vs. Romo controversy is a moot point. But if you heard Jerry Jones’ latest comments about the quarterback situation, you get an idea of where things are headed.

Should Prescott suffer an injury or start to struggle, Romo will likely be ready to go. If the Cowboys keep winning games, expect Romo to take his time rehabbing — even if doctors have given him the green light.