National Football League

Reports: Tony Romo will have surgery but opts again collarbone plate

Published Mar. 5, 2016 6:06 a.m. ET

Chris Bahr

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will have surgery next week but has opted against having a plate inserted into his troublesome left collarbone. Instead, he will have part of his collarbone shaved down to reduce the pressure against his shoulder, according to ESPN and The Dallas Morning News.

The technique is known as the Mumford procedure, though a plate still could be inserted if the surgeon determines that is the better option. The Mumford procedure would require a recovery time of 6-8 weeks.

Romo, who turns 36 in April, broke the collarbone for the first time during the 2010 season. This past season, he broke it in a Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles and fractured it again in a Thanksgiving loss to the Carolina Panthers. He played just four games, passing for 884 yards and five TDs with seven interceptions.

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys stays on the ground after being sacked by the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 26, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. Romo left the field following the play. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Cowboys were 3-1 when Romo started last season but just 1-11 when their crew of backups (Matt Cassell, Brandon Weeden, Kellen Moore) were under center.

Romo missed just two games in the previous four seasons and made the Pro Bowl with a 34-TD, 3,705-yard season in 2014.

Given Romo's age and injury problems -- he also has had back surgery late in the 2013 season -- the Cowboys could target a QB in this year's draft. They own the fourth overall pick after a 4-12 season in 2015.