Tony Romo’s Road to Recovery (again)
Much of the disappointment from the 2015 season for the Dallas Cowboys can be blamed on the injuries to Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. The success of the forthcoming year will hinge on their health too.
Alongside Romo and Dez in rehab are Orlando Scandrick, Lance Dunbar and Gavin Escobar. The majority all considered key components to the Cowboys game. With OTA’s just weeks away; is the Cowboys number 9 close to a comeback?
2015 saw Tony Romo have his first full off-season in three years. After undergoing back surgery he was recovered and feeling revitalized. Jerry Jones declared:
"“What I’m seeing out here is Tony Romo at his best” – Jerry Jones"
Jason Garrett was excited.
"“It’s really a tribute to him. It’s good to see him back out there, he’s in all the drills, he’s moving around… he clearly is stronger. I think he feels better… he’s certainly much further along physically than he has been in the past” – Jason Garrett"
And Tony too was raring to return to the field:
"“I feel good. I have a stronger base than I did starting out last year…you have to make sure you’re always doing things the right way to give yourself the best chance to go out on the field, and I’ve been able to do that.” – Tony Romo"
It’s desperately disappointing looking back on those quotes and seeing that Romo only featured in 4 games last season. His back may have been the strongest it’s ever been; his collar bone most certainly wasn’t.
After undergoing surgery on his collarbone in March, there’s been positive feedback on his recovery. But following on from last years preseason buzz and excitement on Romo’s health the staff clearly have some trepidation. Why try so ferociously to trade up for Paxton Lynch during the draft otherwise?
The addition of Dak Prescott in the fourth round is an exciting one; and he’ll compete with Kellen Moore for the backup role in the season. But is such a raw prospect ready to step in should Romo get hurt again? Likewise Moore hardly dazzled when thrust into the starting role in 2015. The Cowboys hopes are pinned on Romo.
"“He’s integrated almost completely back into the offseason program. He’s really made a lot of progress. I think his back is feeling good. His shoulder seems fine. He’s moving around well. He’s really doing very well.” – Jason Garrett"
Jerry Jones ever the optimist who foresees Romo playing into his 40’s has a short memory though, and is focused on a Romo led offense.
"“There’s absolutely nothing negative that can be said about where he is. Everything they hoped to accomplish from appraisal of surgery has gone well. Everything he’s done regarding his strength, everything regarding what he’s wanted to do, he’s been able to do.” – Jerry Jones"
In the past five years there were 80 regular season games; Romo has played in 66 of them. In total Romo’s missed 17.5% of games in that time. Yet prior to 2015 Romo had missed just 2 games in 4 years. No serious injury or lengthy absence since 2010.
In Dez Bryant they have an elite receiver. Ezekiel Elliott has the potential to be one of the most dominant running backs in the league- especially behind this offensive line. Include a healthy Tony Romo and the Cowboys could have one of the most balanced and punishing offenses in the league.
Time to cross fingers, toes and wrap Romo in bubble wrap. His back will need to bear the weight of Cowboys Nation’s hope and expectations once again.
Next: Will Chaz Green replace Doug Free at right tackle?
Thank you for reading the above article. It’s our sincere hope you’ll visit our site often as we work really hard to provide Cowboys fans with fresh, daily content about their favorite team. Please feel free to take part in further discussions about this topic below in our comment section. All we ask is that each participant is respectful in both their responses and towards others. Thanks again and…Go Cowboys!