The Dallas Cowboys season is likely over. The team is buried in the NFC East after yet another loss and now they must figure out how to keep getting up for games since the playoffs are a far off dream. However, things could be looking up in Week 11. With the Cowboys set to face the Miami Dolphins, a familiar face will be back on the field as Tony Romo is expected to start for the team.
UPDATE: Christine Michael has been released by the Cowboys.
Romo's exit is likely what caused the downfall of the Cowboys this season. The quarterback has missed two months since fracturing his collarbone, but according to ESPN's Ed Werder, he has been cleared to play in Week 11. While Romo's return does not mean much in terms of getting to the playoffs, it will allow Dallas to finish on a high note with the offense they intended to have in the first place. Head coach Jason Garrett confirmed the report that Romo was back as the quarterback will continue with his normal practice routine in preparation for Sunday.
"If we feel like, 'Just because Tony is back everything is good' -- that's the wrong approach," Garrett said, via ESPN.com. "We have to get better in all three areas. We have to coach better. We have to play better. We're going to let him practice. And if he practices well, he's going to play in the game."
Team owner Jerry Jones told the media that he had no intentions of sitting Romo for the rest of the season as the losses have piled up. Jones noted this is what is best for the Cowboys long-term. Having Romo back means players like Dez Bryant, Jason Witten and Terrance Williams are instant fantasy picks for Week 11. All three receivers have been quiet with Matt Cassel under center and now that Romo is back, the team can throw the ball like normal. All three had days they would like to forget in the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but getting Romo under center saves the season slightly.
If anything, the Cowboys can get a look for 2016 as several rookies have played big roles for the team this year including La'el Collins and Byron Jones and will only get better. There is also the justification Jones likely feels signing Darren McFadden who has looked much stronger this year than any season with the Oakland Raiders.
With seven straight losses, the Cowboys' season appears too far gone for Romo to save. At this point the goal is to get a win and break the streak. Jones noted he really thought the Cowboys stood a chance while the quarterback was injured but no one took advantage of opportunities.
"It's in our long-term, best interest to go win a ballgame," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "Even though we get Romo back, that's not something we should consider. We had an opportunity to win [Sunday] and had opportunities to win without Romo and didn't take advantage of them. And that's a flaw."
