By Chris Lehourites
Associated Press
LONDON — Tony Romo practiced Thursday for the first time since arriving in London, and the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback says his injured back is getting better.
Romo missed last Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals because of his third back injury in 18 months. He skipped Wednesday’s practice following the team’s arrival Tuesday.
“We’ll keep taking it day by day and just see what happens,” Romo said. “It’s improving each day and I think we did some things today that were positive. Just keep going in that direction, I think we’ll have a good chance (of playing Sunday).”
The Cowboys (6-3) play the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-8) at Wembley Stadium in the last of three regular-season games in London this year. They have lost their last two games, however, with backup Brandon Weeden playing last weekend.
Romo has fractures in two small bones in his back. The injury is unrelated to a herniated disk last year or to offseason surgery to remove a cyst earlier in 2013.
The quarterback said Thursday he was still a little sore, but called it “normal stuff” and said his back loosened up during practice.
“If you’re always waiting to feel great to play in every game you play in, you’re only going to play a couple of games a year,” he said. “The best players are the guys who are able to play at the same level with stuff going on.”
Even though Romo practiced, Dallas coach Jason Garrett is still not sure who will start.
“We would never put a player in harm’s way. Obviously it’s a very physical sport that we play,” Garrett said. “He (Romo) has to be functional. He has to be able to protect himself.”
Against the Cardinals, Weeden threw two interceptions and had one late touchdown. So for the Cowboys, who have a bye next week, getting Romo on the field is a priority if they want to end the two-game losing streak.
Even if he is in a little pain.
“No one cares once you actually step on the field on Sunday whether you’re banged up or not,” Romo said. “It’s just about what you do when you’re out there.
“Each day you just get incrementally better, you improve. I’m feeling better. I think it’s getting to a point where you can manage it.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones watched practice and said Romo had a comfortable flight to London.
“I’m anticipating him playing,” he said. “Have no reason to think that he won’t.”
