Towards the latter stages of the Dallas Cowboys' 42-21 stomping of the Detroit Lions Monday night, it seemed like Tony Romo might finally take the field at some point for mop-up duty.
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Fans at AT&T Stadium were even clamoring for it, chanting "Romo, Romo, Romo" repeatedly in the fourth quarter. To no avail, though, as he remained a fixture on the bench.
According to team owner Jerry Jones, the reasons for keeping him there are sound.
"We don't feel like any game we'd get for him stepping out there running a few plays or series would be worth the risk," Jones told reporters after the game. "Because I don't like the circumstances it would come under, which would be injury."
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Those reasons also have a lot to do with Dak Prescott, who Jones believes can still benefit from being out on the field against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, despite Dallas having already wrapped up all that it can in terms of the postseason.
"Look at what Dak Prescott learned tonight and what's now in his computer that wasn't there before tonight in terms of working with Dez (Bryant), in terms of executing the offense," Jones continued. "With him being a rookie, we really need all these reps he can get, including any reps we get this week and next week, because we want him to be as educated and as well-prepared and have as much experience as he can when we get in the playoffs."
So, for anyone wondering if they might get a glimpse of Romo before the playoffs, there's your answer. But as unpopular as that thinking might be, it's well-placed. Another Romo injury in a meaningless game against Philly could not only destroy the best backup quarterback situation of any team in the league heading into the playoffs, it could also put a dent in his trade value.
