IRVING, Texas – Tight end Jason Witten has practiced with Tony Romo leading up to all 125 of his career starts at quarterback.
Witten admits it has been a different sight watching Romo run the scout-team offense in practice.
"I thought it was pretty funny seeing him out there. He was in rare form, you know, as he always is," Witten said. "He's such a competitor moving guys around and adjusting the routes and protections. It was good to see him back out there. He brings a lot of energy in that huddle even though it was on scout team."
If all continues to go well, Friday would mark the final practice before quarterback Romo can reclaim first-team reps next week in his return from a fractured collarbone.
Romo has been eligible to do some throwing in practice the last two weeks while on the injured reserve/designated to return list. Next week he's eligible to return to game action Nov. 22 at Miami, which would mean one more start for Matt Cassel this Sunday at Tampa Bay. Cassel has continued to receive the first-team reps in preparation for the Bucs.
How does Romo look this week as he nears a return from the injury he sustained Sept. 20?[embeddedad0]
"I think really good," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "You'd have to ask him how he feels. He looks good to me, looks like he's close to being 100 percent. I don't know what 100 percent is this time of year, but he looks good, and he's excitedto get out there.
"Obviously we've got one more week, and our mind is on that, but I think so far so good."
Said Witten: "You know, we're anxious to get him back – he's our franchise quarterback, our leader. But our focus has just been on this week, getting a win to get ourselves back in position. The sole focus this entire week is do what will allow us to win this game. We'll worry about next week when we get there and with him coming back."
