Tony Romo will officially return next weekend. But if all goes according to the Cowboys' plan, he won't actually participate in the game. He'll be Dak Prescott's backup.
Shortly after the Cowboys' thrilling win over the Steelers on Sunday, which stretched their winning streak to eight games, Jerry Jones provided an update on his quarterback situation. The Cowboys' owner announced that Romo will be active next Sunday for the team's game against the Ravens -- as the backup quarterback.
Jerry Jones said Tony Romo will be active next week as the backup QB vs. the Ravens.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) November 14, 2016
The reason is simple: Prescott has exceeded all expectations and has played a major role in the team's ascent to the top of the NFC. At 8-1, the Cowboys appear to be a lock to earn a postseason berth.
Jerry Jones; "We're going to the let the decision in this case make itself. Dak has the hot hand and we're going to go with it."
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) November 14, 2016
More good news for the Cowboys: According to Jones, Romo is on board with the plan.
Jerry Jones on if Romo is on board riding hot streak out: "Absolutely. He's totally committed to doing the very best thing to win the game."
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) November 14, 2016
Against the Steelers, Prescott completed 22 of 32 passes for 319 yards, two touchdowns, and a 121.7 passer rating. His 50-yard touchdown to Dez Bryant was flawless.
.@DAK. DEZ.
— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2016
50-yard @DallasCowboys TD!!! #DALvsPIThttps://t.co/R9lDN23lDU
Heck, even Romo was wowed.
Tony Romo to Stephen Jones as Dak walked past in locker room. "That ain't (blank) easy, and he's the man."
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) November 14, 2016
Of course, Prescott wasn't the sole reason for the Cowboys' win. Most notably, Ezekiel Elliott ran all over the Steelers behind the league's best offensive line. But Prescott, again, limited his mistakes and made big plays when they needed them, though his numbers benefited greatly from an 83-yard screen to Elliott.
Most importantly, the Cowboys won -- again. Teams, fans and even players almost always judge performances through the lens of wins and losses. So as long as the Cowboys are winning, it's tough to see the team making a change.
I don't want to take anything away from Prescott's season -- he has been great and deserves to be in the Rookie of the Year discussion along with Elliott -- but it's worth pointing out that he is still two bad games (and maybe even just one) away from a serious quarterback controversy. Romo's sudden fall due to a preseason injury is enough proof that circumstances can change in an instant in the NFL.
For now, the Cowboys shouldn't stress. They're 8-1 and have two top quarterbacks on their roster in a league that doesn't even feature 32 starting-caliber quarterbacks.
That's probably why Jones can't stop smirking.