Tony Romo Out? In? Day-to-Day? And...a shallow depth chart.

Toughness.

Let me start with this: Tony Romo herniated a disc early in yesterday's game against the Redskins and never took himself out for a series, nor a play. Watching the game minus audio at a sports bar, I saw him limping badly after a desperate scramble late in the 4th quarter. I thought it was a blown-out knee that he was playing through, I did not know it was a back-related injury.

Gifdsports.com

Regardless, it may be that his last pass of the 2013 season was the game winner on a 4th-and-goal from the 10 yard line after scrambling to his right, pump faking, and then connecting with running back Demarco Murray for the touchdown that tied the game and allowed the go-ahead point after.

If I remember correctly, Romo's toughness was questioned early in his career after making his way up the depth chart to the starting position. Those questions have been silenced repeatedly; none more than the 2011 game in San Francisco when he played after breaking a few ribs and puncturing his lung.

I was in the stands that day in San Fran [Thank you, Emily!] and, after watching John Kitna make some sharp throws, was honestly wondering why Romo was coming back into the game with his injuries. The story had a happy ending as Dallas won a great game at the former Candlestick Park.

So, if there were any lingering doubts about his toughness, or his stubbornness, there should be no doubters now...I hope, wether he suits up next Sunday night, or not, that he has a speedy recovery.

Backups.

So, for all those Broncos fans who like the Cowboys, all four of you, time to dust off those orange Kyle Orton jerseys, unless you donated them to a thrift store when you got your Tim Tebow jersey, and get ready for the big game on Sunday night.

Will Orton lead Dallas to victory on Sunday? Your guess is as good as mine. He has not thrown too many passes while wearing the Cowboy's uniform. He has not started a game in several years. What does he have going for him? He saddles up with an explosive wide receiver corps, one of the best tight ends in the game, a very good offensive line, and a productive and healthy running back.

The last time a Dallas Cowboys backup QB got to play with an equivalent group of talented weapons and protection, he wore #17 and had the name "GARRETT" on the back of his jersey. Well, #17 is back on the sidelines now but traded in his shoulder pads and clipboard for a headset and clipboard.

There probably aren't too many coaches in the NFL that will be as adept as Jason Garrett as knowing how to prepare a veteran backup QB for a game.

Sunday night.

Do I have high hopes for Sunday's game with Romo in the pocket? Honestly, until the defense starts playing better, no. Do I have lower hopes for Sunday with #18 taking the snaps instead of Romo? Certainly.

Is all hope lost? No. But the uphill battle just got a bit steeper. It will be interesting to see how things play out over the week.

And, the big question on everyone's mind...who will be the #3 quarterback on the Dallas Cowboys depth chart? David Carr perhaps?

-Todd Vorenkamp
@trvphoto

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