The length of Tony Romo's rehabilitation from a fractured left clavicle is the singular question sitting on the tips of every tongue in Cowboys land.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that tests determined Romo won't need surgery on his broken collarbone, per a source informed of his prognosis. Romo and coach Jason Garrett later confirmed the QB won't need surgery.
Avoiding surgery won't change the estimated time missed, as the Cowboys' quarterback is expected to be out about eight weeks, which is the standard rehabilitation for the injury.
According to Rapoport, the length of Romo's stint on the sidelines makes the quarterback a candidate for injured reserve/designated-to-return, a spot still available after the Cowboys declined to use their one designation on Dez Bryant. Coach Jason Garrett said it's possible Romo could be placed on IR.
Rapoport reports that the Cowboys will work out quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Christian Ponder to back up Brandon Weeden.
Placing Romo on IR-Boomerang would officially keep him off the playing field for eight weeks -- he could practice after six, if healthy.
The Cowboys said they would know more about Romo's timetable after he was re-evaluated in Dallas today.
Weeden will take over in Romo's stead as the Cowboys attempt to stay afloat in the NFC East without their top two players for an extended period. Dallas, at 2-0, has a big advantage with two division wins under its belt early, but it faces a daunting task of retaining that lead, despite the struggles of the rest of the division.
