Much has been made this week of Tony Romo's decision to fight through a fractured rib and collapsed lung in a spirited win over the 49ers on Sunday. It was a performance that did as much for the quarterback's image as it did for Dallas' position in the NFC East.
Running back DeMarco Murray and his Cowboys teammates knew Romo was hurting in the huddle.
"He could barely breathe. We were just seeing him grunting, and when he was trying to talk, he was just kind of holding on," Murray told KESN-FM, via The Dallas Morning News. "You could see it in his facial expressions that he was hurt."
Cowboys coach Jason Garrettsaid Wednesday that Romo has been receiving treatment on his injuries this week and "hopefully" will be ready for Monday night's meeting with the Redskins.
Romo's received his share of heat during a career in which he's led an under-the-microscope franchise to just one playoff victory in seven seasons. His leadership has been questioned by outsiders -- but Murray dispelled any questions about how the team feels.
"He's our leader on offense vocally, and he's a guy that everybody looks to," Murray said. "... He fought his butt off for us and he wanted to play. I think coach Garrett tried to hold him out a little bit, but he fought and scratched to get back in there, and he led us to victory."