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Cowboys' Jason Garrett: Tony Romo still 'day to day' - NFL.com
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett reiterated yesterday that Tony Romo's status is still "day to day" leading up to Sunday's season finale.
"He is fighting through it, going through the treatment process," Garrett said. "He's a tough guy ... He doesn't seem overly comfortable."
Why the Dallas Cowboys wait on Tony Romo - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Archer writes that Garrett calls Romo "day to day" because he calls every injured player "day to day," as the Cowboys see no value in providing opponents with any advance warning of who will and will not play. If Romo is in fact ruled out for the game, it won't be before the league-mandated inactive list that's due 90 minutes before kickoff.
Tony Romo feeling a little better, but doesn’t take part in Dallas Cowboys team meetings - Jon Machota, DMN
While Romo was at Valley Ranch yesterday, he did not attend the team's offensive meetings, Machota writes.
"He’s fighting through it," Garrett said. "He’s certainly in a situation where he’s trying to do everything he can to get himself back. He’s going through the rehab process and the treatment process like any injured player would. He’s a tough guy, as we saw the other day. We’ll just see how he does."
If Vikings can beat the Eagles, why not Cowboys? - Tim MacMahon, ESPN Dallas
MacMahon reminds us that the Eagles got blown out by the Vikings 48-30 just 11 days ago.
Adrian Peterson didn't play in that game. Somebody named Matt Asiata ran for three touchdowns. Backup quarterback Matt Cassel accounted for 401 yards and three scores. Greg Jennings caught 11 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. Minnesota scored 48 points.
If Cassel, Jennings and Asiata can put up such big numbers against the Philadelphia defense, the Cowboys at least have some hope with Kyle Orton, DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant.
Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?
A Dallas Morning News poll shows that less than a third of Cowboys fans believe their team has chance to beat the Eagles.
Eagles say they will be ready for Romo or Orton - Philly.com
Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis doesn't think the Eagles' defensive scheme (the Eagles are ranked 30th in yards allowed) needs any significant alterations for Kyle Orton.
"We've got a great challenge no matter who the quarterback is," Davis said.
"Kyle Orton can start for a lot of teams in the NFL." Davis called Orton "a highly efficient quarterback" who has a "great presence" and "sees the field well." Orton does not key in on a single receiver, Davis said, and is a "great system quarterback" who understands coverages, route concepts, and can accurately deliver the ball to his target.
Does Kyle Orton give Dallas Cowboys a chance? - USA Today
Jim Corbett looks at the parallels between Josh McGown subbing for Jay Cutler in Chicago and Kyle Orton now stepping in for Tony Romo.
"This is the same situation the Chicago Bears had with Josh McCown stepping in this season for an injured Jay Cutler, a cavalier quarterback just like Tony Romo,'' former Bears quarterback and current analyst Jim Miller told USA TODAY Sports. "Josh came in when Jay went down with groin and ankle injuries and the offense ran efficiently."
"For Dallas, that's how it will be with Kyle Orton. He's one of the league's better backups who will run that offense efficiently."
‘Gung ho’ Kitna called Cowboys - Tom Orsborn, Express-News
Orsborn writes that when Kitna heard the Cowboys needed a backup QB, he picked up the phone and gave Jason Garrett a call.
"I think he was gung ho," Garrett said. "He actually reached out to us."
"My comment back was, ‘Are you serious?’ He said, ‘Absolutely,’ "
Dallas Cowboys' Sean Lee out vs. Philadelphia Eagles - ESPN Dallas
Sean Lee has been ruled out for Sunday's game, according to Adam Schefter, who reports that Lee's sprained neck is a more significant injury than originally thought.
After Further Review: Finding clues to Eagles-Cowboys - CBSSports.com
Pete Prisco looks at what went wrong for the Eagles and right for the Cowboys when Dallas beat Philly 17-3 in Week 7 and surmises that we're unlikely to see a repeat of that performance, from either side.
#Cowboys CB Morris Claiborne said he was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, added: "I'm playing Sunday."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 25, 2013
End for Miles Austin? Calvin Watkins, ESPN Dallas
The writing may be on the wall for Austin after the Cowboys sat him in favor of Beasley and Williams on the final drive against Washington. Watkins writes that "Austin's hamstrings are a sore subject at Valley Ranch," and the Cowboys may be eyeing the $5 million cap savings they could get by making Austin a post-June 1 cut.
Patriots' Belichick questions NFL offseason workout limits - Express-News
Belichick sees the recently instituted NFL rules shortening offseason practice time at fault for the increasing number of player injuries. Less preparation and limits placed on offseason workouts may even be counterproductive, Belichick argues.
"Personally, I think that's taking the wrong approach," he said. "You have a gap between preparation and competition level. And I think that's where you see a lot of injuries occurring. We get a lot of breakdowns. We get a lot of situations that players just aren't as prepared as they were in previous years, in my experience anyway."
2014 NFL mock draft: A defensive tackle for the Cowboys - Dan Kadar, SBNation.com
Mock draft season is fast approaching, and Kadar throws together a mock draft in which the Cowboys draft 18th and select DT Ra'Shede Hageman from Minnesota.
"This would be a run to the podium pick. Hageman is our top-rated defensive tackle prospect and fits nicely as a 4-3 tackle. He's a highly athletic gap shooter who could even play end in certain situations. If Monte Kiffin returns next season, he'll love having a Tommie Harris-like player in the middle of his defensive line."
Giants' Coughlin has "something to prove" in 2014 - ProFootballTalk
No kidding.
Redskins prepare for mass exodus from roster - Washington Times
Twenty-two players will be free agents following the season, including seven starters on defense. The Redskins‘ pass defense has been woeful for several seasons, which could facilitate the decision to clean house and start anew.
