The Dallas Cowboys gave a sigh of relief as team doctors confirmed that Tony Romo's collarbone injury will not need surgery, but the 35-year-old starting quarterback will be out to return after eight weeks of healing and rehabilitation.
ESPN reported that Dallas put their prized signal caller on the injured reserve/designated to return list on Tuesday after suffering a broken left collarbone during the team's 20-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.
This indicates that starting on their Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons, the four-time Pro Bowler could be back on their Week 11 game with the Miami Dolphins or their Week 12 match with the Carolina Panthers.
The Cowboys are also hopeful that their other injured superstar, wide receiver Dez Bryant, would be able to return before Romo does as only one player could be given the status injured reserve/designated to return per team.
Head coach Jason Garrett said that even when Romo is not clear to play, he will still be joining the team in practices and games but only at the sidelines.
The injury was actually a reprise for Romo as he broke the same collarbone back in 2010, which led him to miss the last 12 games of the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys traded a 2017 fifth-round draft pick for Buffalo Bills reserve quarterback Matt Cassel. The 11-year-pro is expected to work as the backup for interim starter Brandon Weeden, as per CBS Sports.
Cassel will be playing for his fifth organization in the NFL after stints with the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and most recently with the Bills.