The emergence of rookie Dak Prescott has been "difficult" for established starter Tony Romo, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, but that does not mean he wants to disrupt momentum.
Rapoport noted Sunday on NFL GameDay Morning that Romo is willing to be the Prescott's backup in Dallas, which should be the plan next week when the Cowboys take on the Ravens in Arlington. Romo, as expected, is inactive for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Of course, the situation is predicated upon Prescott keeping up his strong level of play -- a difficult task considering Sunday's matchup.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has said that after Romo is cleared medically, the decision over whether he should start is in the hands of coach Jason Garrett. Having Romo amenable to a backup role makes any decision much easier should the Cowboys continue their winning streak. Dallas has not lost a game since Sept. 11.
Prescott's numbers -- 2,020 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions -- are obviously buoyed by the breakout performance of rookie running back and potential MVP candidate Ezekiel Elliott and the best offensive line in football. Part of the frustration for Romo, an oft-injured four-time Pro Bowler, must be wondering how well he would be playing with this set of weapons at his fingertips.
Those in tune with the mental rigors of the game will wonder if this situation will place any undue pressure on the young Prescott. Essentially, the Cowboys have said that Prescott will keep his job so long as he maintains his current level of play. Put another way: Hey Dak, continue having one of the best seasons for a rookie quarterback in recent NFL history.
Romo would obviously welcome the chance to come to the rescue, should he falter -- a different role than he is used to, but one that could cement his folk hero status in Dallas amid a very important season for the franchise.