The Dallas Cowboys will continue rolling with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns, owner Jerry Jones said following Sunday night’s comeback win at home over the Philadelphia Eagles.
But based on his qualifying comment, it sure seems like Tony Romo could still start this season when he’s ready to play.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Dak Prescott will start Sunday vs. Browns as “Tony’s not ready to play."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2016
Prescott struggled throughout Sunday night’s game against the tough Eagles defense. And, up until the late stages of the contest, it sure looked like he’d finally have his first truly bad game. That didn’t happen, however. Prescott saved his best for last, putting on a perfect display of passing and running during the team’s game-winning drive in overtime.
Assuming Prescott and the ‘Boys handle their business against the winless Browns next weekend, it’s going to be fascinating to see what happens going forward. By the time the team arrives in Pittsburgh to play against the Steelers in Week 10, it will have been 11 weeks, three days since Romo’s back injury occurred in the preseason.
The veteran participated in a limited fashion with the Cowboys before their game this past weekend. However, it’s been reported that he has yet to be cleared for contact, which is the critical step forwards he must take in order to hit the field.
Even when Romo is healthy and cleared for contact, it remains to be seen if he’ll jump right back into the starting lineup.
Dallas is now 7-1 under Prescott and has developed excellent team chemistry. Both Jerry Jones and his son Stephen have left the door open for a potential scenario in which Prescott retains his job, with Stephen going so far as to mention Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe as a comparison.
Tinkering with success can be detrimental, and it’s something the Cowboys would be wise to avoid given the way the team is rolling right now.