The Dallas Cowboys are looking at some veterans to help replace Tony Romo, as players like Christian Ponder, Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson are getting worked out after Romo fractured his collarbone. The team has Brandon Weeden ready to start Week 3, but the Cowboys may want some insurance behind him in case Weeden goes down with an injury too.
Romo was injured in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 and reports have him out for up to two months with the injury. According to Pro Football Talk, Romo has confirmed that he will not need surgery for his fracture clavicle, but it is expected to keep him for at least eight weeks for the Cowboys. Jerry Jones said to the media this week that the team is confident in Weeden and that he is a "gifted passer" that can handle the offense. UPDATE: According to ESPN Dallas: "Tony Romo will be placed on injured reserve/designated to return list by Cowboys, per sources."
Weeden played in six games last season and he currently is the only quarterback on the 53-man roster for the Cowboys other than Romo. The team has Kellen Moore and Jameill Showers on the practice squad and they are reportedly working out veteran free agents heading into Week 3. According to ESPN reports from Ed Werder and Chris Mortensen, the Cowboys are bringing in Flynn, Ponder and Johnson for workouts this week. The team could add one of those players or promote someone from the practice squad, as they will need a backup for Sunday.
Weeden is expected to start and all signs point to him staying in that position if he doesn't struggle too much. Jason Garrett said to the media that Weeden is an "intelligent" player and he has a strong grasp of the offense and what the team wants to do. The Fort Worth-Star Telegram reported that the Cowboys are also planning to work out McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who was previously with the Miami Dolphins before getting cut.
Ponder was with the Raiders previously and he could be an option to come in and back up Weeden. Flynn was with the Patriots earlier in the summer and also could be a fit, as he has starting experience and could step in if needed. Weeden looked solid coming in for Romo on Sunday, completing all seven of his passes and throwing a touchdown. The Cowboys don't need Weeden to be Peyton Manning or Tom Brady to win, but they will need him to make smart decisions and limit turnovers.
Romo is out for a stretch and the team is also without Dez Bryant and he could be out for longer than Romo. According to ESPN.com, Werder reports that Bryant needed a bone graft procedure for his foot injury and that could mean he will be on the sidelines for longer than originally expected. Initial reports had Bryant out for six to eight weeks, but Werder reports it could be closer to 10 weeks or more with the surgery. Bryant will be itching to come back and for the time being players like Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams and Devin Street will have to step up.
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