National Football League

Orton no-shows at Cowboys camp, Weeden takes first-team reps

Published Jun. 17, 2014 1:39 p.m. ET

foxsports

Cowboys quarterback Kyle Orton is facing a nearly $70,000 fine after skipping this week’s mandatory minicamp.

Orton, who has not been participating in the team’s voluntary OTAs, took another step toward retirement by no-showing for the three-day event. If Orton were to retire, he would need to repay more than $3 million from his signing bonus.

With quarterback Tony Romo recovering from offseason back surgery, head coach Jason Garrett expected Orton would report for minicamp. Without Orton, the offensive staff will be forced to give backup quarterback Brandon Weeden the first-team reps.

“Brandon has done a nice job. He gets in the huddle and handles himself like an NFL quarterback," Garret said Monday, per The Dallas Morning News. "He's getting all the first reps, and it's great for him."

Weeden, who was released by the Browns in March, had his NFL future in question after an erratic sophomore season, which included 15 turnovers in eight games.

“It’s definitely a breath of fresh air,” Weeden said of his second chance. “I’m excited to be here. I love coming to work every day. It’s a fun environment.”