Garrett: No Romo at afternoon practice
Despite proclaiming earlier in the week Tony Romo will be full go once the Dallas Cowboys begin training camp, coach Jason Garrett said the quarterback will not take part in Friday’s afternoon workout.
Romo, who had back surgery in December and did not take part in competitive drills in the spring, was limited in Thursday's practice, which did not include any 11-on-11 sessions. Romo was in the Friday walk-through, taking all of his normal snaps. Garrett initially said Romo would do less in the afternoon practice before saying he "will not do anything this afternoon."
“Our approach with him throughout training camp is to be very mindful of being out there twice a day, and particularly twice a day on consecutive days,” Garrett said.
After Thursday's workout Romo said he does not have back pain but he has to go through a prolonged daily program to keep his back strong and loose. Romo said he could have done more Thursday but he backed off when the offense did not have competitive drills against the defense. He said the amount of work will pick up once the players practice in pads starting Saturday.
After Friday's walk-through Romo had a long discussion with executive vice president Stephen Jones and head athletic trainer Jim Maurer.
With Saturday morning's walk-through focusing on special teams, Garrett said he anticipates Romo taking first-team snaps. The Cowboys hold an hour walk-through in the mornings and a two-hour practice in the afternoon on most days. Their first scheduled off-day is Monday.
“The two-a-days can be an issue, and then the back-to-back two-a-days,” Garrett said. "I know we're only out here for a walk-through format, but when you're coming off a back issue like Tony has sometimes just being out on your feet like that can be taxing. So we just want to be mindful as we start training camp, continue to communicate with him and others to make sure we're all on the same page. He's making progress.”
After Thursday’s practice, Stephen Jones said the Cowboys feel good about Romo's health.
"We're not trying to win the East tomorrow,” Jones said on Thursday. “It’s a long training camp and the last thing we want to do is act like we're playing Sunday with him. We want to be conservative but at the same time give him the work he needs.”
