If the St. Louis Rams were the most injury-ravaged team in the NFL week one, the Dallas Cowboys took the unenviable honor in week two. Dallas rallied from down 14-0 and 24-14 to beat the 49ers in overtime Sunday 27-24. Tony Romo started the second half on the bench after taking a shot to the midsection. The belief is that he fractured two ribs on the play.
Romo re-entered the game at the end of the third quarter after Jon Kitna led the offense for three series. Romo went three-and-out his first series back, but he led an 80-yard touchdown drive and then a field goal drive that tied the game, sending it to overtime. His first pass in overtime went to Jesse Holley for 77 yards, setting up the winning field goal.
While Romo played with cracked ribs, running back Felix Jones played through a separated shoulder. Jones got hurt on his first run of the game, which also marked Dallas’ fifth play of the game. He was fitted for a harness and managed to carry the ball eight more times after that.
Miles Austin had a monster game going for nine catches, 143 yards, and three touchdowns. He reportedly hurt his hamstring in the fourth quarter and could be out for two games, according to Chris Mortensen. Austin’s injury adds to a banged-up receiving core that missed Dez Bryant this week because of a quad injury.
Dallas’ running game should be fine with Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray, but their passing game will suffer if Tony Romo, Miles Austin, and Dez Bryant miss time. The Cowboys have home games coming up against the Redskins and Lions — both 2-0 teams. My guess is that Romo will rest this week and play Monday night against the Redskins with Dez, not Austin, catching passes. They’ll be banged up but they still should be competitive. Just don’t be surprised if they end up 1-3 entering the bye week.
