The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both won on Sunday, setting the stage for a Week 17 showdown that is essentially an extension of the playoffs. The winner will capture the NFC East title and clinch a playoff berth, while the loser will be dusting off golf clubs. Unfortunately, the Cowboys will have to go for the division crown without Tony Romo.
Romo is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a back injury, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Kyle Orton will likely start for the Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday night.
Romo said that his back was sore heading into his team’s win over the Washington Redskins. He told reporters on Sunday that he tweaked it during the game but did not expect the injury to affect his status for the season finale.
“That triggered it a little bit,” he said. “Whatever the kid did on that one play, it really sent something that didn’t feel comfortable. But it’s in a completely different spot than the back stuff I had last year, so that’s a good sign.”
Say what you will about Romo and his tendency to choke when the spotlight is at its brightest, but this is a major blow for the Cowboys. They will now have to insert an ice-cold quarterback into the starting lineup for the most crucial game of the year.
