Dak Prescott is the undisputed starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, but with the No. 1 seed locked up, it seems like a smart idea to get Tony Romo some action in the final two games of the season. That’s something the Cowboys have discussed, per Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, but he reports it’s “very unlikely” Romo will make an appearance Monday night or in Week 17.
Asked #Cowboys source the chance of QB Tony Romo playing tonight or in the season finale: "Very unlikely." It has, however, been discussed.
— Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) December 26, 2016
This echoes comments made by team owner Jerry Jones recently, who said he didn’t want to risk Romo getting injured (more on that here).
While the team may not be willing to let Romo play for fear he’ll get injured again, there is an argument to be made for him to get some snaps in before the playoffs.
Romo hasn’t taken a regular-season snap all year long. He was injured in the preseason, necessitating Prescott’s early baptism by fire, and has never made it onto the playing field since. The Cowboys have been raving about how sharp he is on the practice field, but there is no substitute for game action.
It’s understandable that Dallas doesn’t want to lose Romo to injury again, but getting him some snaps is something the franchise really should try to make happen. He’s at risk of injury every time he steps onto the field, just like every other player who lines up on every play. But throwing him into a playoff game cold, should Prescott be injured, is not an ideal scenario.
But that’s just one man’s opinion. It’s going to be interesting to see if Romo can convince his coaches and owner to let him play on Monday night or in the final weekend of action.