The Dallas Cowboys are down to Brandon Weeden under center.
With Tony Romo recovering from back surgery and Kyle Ortonstill AWOL, the Cleveland Browns castoff is set to work exclusively with the first-team offense during this week's mandatory minicamp.
"Brandon has done a nice job. He gets in the huddle and handles himself like an NFL quarterback," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Monday, per The Dallas Morning News. "He's getting all the first reps, and it's great for him."
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Orton was not at the team facility Tuesday after failing to show for a Monday physical as he strongly considers retirement.
Weeden's own future was in doubt after the former first-round pick was released by the Browns in March following two wholly mediocre seasons as the team's starter.
"It's definitely a breath of fresh air," Weeden said of his time with the Cowboys. "I'm excited to be here. I love coming to work every day. It's a fun environment."
Weeden sports a strong arm, but his decision-making too often veered into mind-boggling territories in Cleveland, leading to his 26 interceptions over 20 starts.
Now learning his third offense in as many seasons, Weeden has yet to prove he can capably direct an NFL offense. With nobody else applying for the job, the Cowboys are giving him what could be his last chance at this level.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the heroes discuss which teams "realistically" have no shot at winning the Super Bowl this season.
