IRVING, Texas – In keeping with tradition, Tony Romo did not practice Wednesday as the Cowboys took the field for the first time this week.
That's got nothing to do with his collarbone, and it doesn't affect his game status for Sunday, according to Cowboys coach Jason Garrett.
"We anticipate Tony being able to come back and play this week," Garrett said. "We'll take his situation day by day."
The first of those days is Wednesday, which has been a light day for Romo in the recent past. Well before he broke his collarbone on Sept. 20, the Cowboys would hold Romo out of Wednesday's practice to rest and rehabilitate his back. Although he hasn't played in eight weeks, that routine holds true this week – though Garrett said he has been an active participant in game prep this week.
"Tony is a great competitor, he's somebody who really competes at everything he does – every minute of every day," he said. "So we anticipate him to come back. He competed in the walkthrough – he just got off the field – and he'll compete the rest of the day, the rest of the week, and he'll certainly compete on Sunday."
Romo is expected to take the field on both Thursday and Friday, though he isn't the Cowboys' only injury concern. Dez Bryant was also absent Wednesday while he copes with a knee injury he suffered in the Nov. 8 loss to Philadelphia.
Bryant's injuries aren't considered serious, since Garrett said he's hopeful he'll be able to increase his workload as the week goes along.
"He went through the walkthrough and had a good walkthrough; don't anticipate him being a full participant in practice," he said. "Hopefully he can do something. He'll be limited though. But had a good walkthrough and hopefully he'll continue to get treatment and be ready to go tomorrow."
Cornerback Morris Claiborne was also absent, which was to be expected as he deals with hamstring and ankle injuries, and rookie Ryan Russell was missing with an abdominal injury.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys saw all three of their injured linebackers going through Wednesday practice. Sean Lee returned to the field for the first time since suffering a concussion against the Eagles, while Rolando McClain and Anthony Hitchens both participated after being limited by injuries last week.
Newly-signed running back Robert Turbin also participated in Wednesday's practice, and both Mark Nzeocha and Deji Olatoye were on hand after being called up to the active roster. New practice squad member Tim Scott was also present for practice.
