Dallas Cowboys

Report: Cowboys Tony Romo willing to be a back-up

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

According to a report, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is willing to be a back-up to rookie Dak Prescott.

This was the season Dallas Cowboys veteran quarterback Tony Romo was supposed to help America’s Team climb out of the 4-12 basement Dallas found themselves in without him last season.

But the 36-year old’s third major injury in less than a year, two fractured collarbones and a compression fracture in his back, has sidelined Romo once again this season.

Fortunately for Dallas, roster depth and their talented 2016 NFL Draft class have more than saved their season. On the precipice of Week 10, and a big matchup against a talented Pittsburgh Steelers squad, the Cowboys are 7-1 with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott under center.

But now it appears Romo is almost ready to return. Although it’s being reported he’ll be officially ruled out for the contest against the Steelers later today, the veteran quarterback was a full participant at practice this past week.

So the feeling is it’s only a matter of time before the Cowboys will have to make a very difficult choice. Will the Dallas brass and coaching staff take the risk of replacing the hot hand in Prescott and interrupt what could be Super Bowl-level team chemistry to insert a rusty Romo who is likely still the better and definitely more experienced quarterback?

Well, according to a report by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Romo is willing to be Prescott’s back-up and that move should take place next week.

#Cowboys QB Tony Romo is willing to be the backup, I’m told, and it should happen next week. Dak must continue to perform to keep his job.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2016

Rapoport also reports this has been a difficult decision for the aging quarterback personally, but Romo is trying to do what’s best for the team.

If true, this decision by Romo must be applauded. The veteran has a closing window to get a Super Bowl ring. He likely sees this as his best chance to do so. Of course, I’d imagine Romo would prefer to be starting under center when, and if, that happens.

But chances are Dallas will need Romo’s services at some point this season. In the meantime, the Cowboys have a rare luxury moving forward. They have two quarterbacks capable of leading this team deep into the playoffs.