Stephen Jones Expects Tony Romo To Be Ready To Go By Training Camp

Tony Romo has been noticeably quiet this offseason. Usually we see him at golf tournaments, charity events or other assorted outings which gives reporters a chance to talk to him. This offseason Romo is basically rehabbing his back. After undergoing surgery for a herniated disk, Romo's health is a big question mark. The Cowboys are married to the idea of Romo being their quarterback for the foreseeable future, noticeably passing on Johnny Manziel in the draft.

A few weeks ago, we got a brief update on his health. Jason Garrett said at a press conference:

As for Romo, Garrett said, "he’ll continue to rehab."

"He’s going through the different lifting and the cardio stuff he’s doing," Garrett added. "Today, he was on the field throwing a little bit. You see how he responds to all of that and then you continue to make your decision about what should be next."

It was also noted that at that time he was dropping back and throwing passes, moving around in the pocket.

But just when will Tony Romo be ready for real action? Stephen Jones says that he expects Romo to be ready when training camp starts. When asked if he'll be ready for week 1, Jones upped the date to training camp.

"Yes he will and he’s actually progressing great," Jones said on the conference call. "He’s on schedule if not ahead of schedule. He’s throwing the ball around, we not only think he’ll be ready for opening week, he’ll start up at training camp and be ready to go. He’s obviously a tremendous competitor, and in our mind he kept us in all season long with a defense that was depleted with injuries, with a chance to win the NFC East in the last game of the year. And if he had played in that game, that game might have gone in a different direction."

For all the other moves the Cowboys have made this offseason, none of it will matter if Romo isn't right after his back surgery. OCC posted about Scott Linehan's desire to go deep in the passing game. That was something the Cowboys used to excel at but it was obvious last year Romo was struggling with the long ball. Many have surmised it was his back giving him trouble. Everything hinges on number 9's health.