Tony Romo missed a Wednesday practice once again this week for the Dallas Cowboys. It sounds like that's his new routine because of back tightness.
Romo also missed practice last Wednesday, which raised some red flags after two rough outings to start the year. Romo responded well to the time off last week with his best performance of the season in St. Louis. Romo was sharp on short passes and the Cowboys moved the ball well all day. Romo moved well in the pocket, although he shied away from hits while throwing a few times. His one deep completion came on a blown route and we still have questions about whether Romo is throwing the ball with his usual heat.
Sitting out practices sounds like the new normal for Romo coming off multiple back surgeries. His performance in Week 3 gave more hope that the team will be able to manage the injury and that Romo's play could improve throughout the season.
Here are the other injuries we're tracking Wednesday:
- The Redskins and Giants released their injury reports ahead of their Thursday matchup. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (shoulder) and defensive end Jason Hatcher (hamstring) are both listed as questionable. Giants linebacker Jon Beason (foot/toe) is listed as doubtful.
- Vernon Davis (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday. The 49ers tight end is expected to play against the Eagles on Sunday.
- Linebacker Patrick Willis did not practice Wednesday. The All-Pro linebacker has a wrist injury.
- Raiders safety Tyvon Branch (foot) was placed on injured reserve with a Jones fracture. A Jones fracture is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal.
- New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (hamstring) was back on a stationary bike during practice Wednesday, which doesn't bode well for his status this week. Rex Ryan is confident Decker will be healthy by the weekend, according to Newsday. Also, Dee Milliner, Muhammad Wilkerson, Nick Mangold and David Nelsondidn't practice.
- Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater is expected to miss 4-5 weeks after undergoing foot surgery, his agent tells ESPN's Bill Williamson. That should mean more playing time for Andre Holmes behind Denarius Moore and James Jones. Meanwhile, running back Maurice Jones-Drew says he'll play in London this week after missing two games with a hand injury.
- Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said that tight end Kyle Rudolph (groin) might be back on the field soon enough to avoid injured reserve with a designation to return.
- Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel wasn't so lucky. His season is officially over because of his broken foot.
- Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, likely a big boost for a suddenly thin backfield.
- Speaking of Panthers running backs, Jonathan Stewart said he is week to week as he was on his way to the training room, according to the Charlotte Observer.
- Ravens left tackle Eugene Monroe will have a minor knee surgery and is out an undetermined amount of time, the team said Wednesday.
- Bucs coach Lovie Smith told reporters there's a good chanceMike Glennon will start at quarterback against the Steelers with Josh McCown battling an injured thumb.
- Bucs running back Doug Martin (knee) practiced Wednesday, according to the team. Martin missed the last two games for the Bucs as Bobby Rainey assumed the load in his place.
- Keenan Allen (groin) was a full was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, per the team. Allen was limited last week by the injury.
- Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks (calf) sat out practice Wednesday.
- Niners starting cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) did not practice for the team on Wednesday.
On the latest Around The NFL Podcast, the heroes chat with two-time MVP Kurt Warner, debate the NFL's top throwing arms and preview Thursday night's game.
