National Football League

Report: Tony Romo willing to be Dak Prescott's backup when activated

Published Dec. 9, 2016 1:05 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Tony Romo is expected to be inactive for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his return to the field is coming soon. Now that he’s returned to practice and been listed as questionable on the injury report, it’s only a matter of time before the Cowboys activate him on game day.

When that does happen, though, it might be as the backup. And according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Romo will be willing to accept that role after 10 years as the team's starter. Rapoport believes that transition to backup will begin next week against the Ravens, indicating the Cowboys will stick with Dak Prescott at quarterback.

Just a couple of days ago, Cowboys exec Stephen Jones said Romo would probably accept a role as a backup. He didn’t say it would definitely come to that point, but his comments indicate that the coaching staff may lean toward Prescott going forward.

Regardless of whether Romo wants to be the backup (he doesn’t), he really doesn’t have a choice. He can play as well as he wants in practice, but if the Cowboys keep winning and Prescott continues to play well, he’ll be on the sideline. Accepting a lesser role as Prescott’s backup won’t be easy, as Rapoport suggests, but it will likely be necessary.

The Cowboys are 7-1 and meet the Steelers on Sunday as they look to stretch their winning streak to eight games. That would tie a franchise record.

#Cowboys QB Tony Romo is willing to be the backup, I’m told, and it should happen next week. Dak must continue to perform to keep his job.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2016