Cowboys' Romo optimistic about progress during OTA's

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is optimistic about his progress this summer after undergoing surgery in March to repair a broken collarbone.

Romo broke the same collarbone twice during the 2015 season as the Cowboys slumped to their worst record since 1989.

The 36-year-old is working tirelessly to return to action and is enthused about how he's feeling during organized team activities.

"The further removed I am from surgery - and now it's been quite a while - I can go a lot longer periods of time doing what I could do before. But for shorter periods of time before, it would just get heavy or I'd need a break or rest," Romo said to ESPN's Todd Archer.

"The torque you put on it, the jolting of stuff, the hits - it all takes a toll over time. When you have multiple back surgeries, you understand the process sometimes that it's a little different."

Entering his 14th season, Romo is aware of his physical capabilities but is looking forward to taking full repetitions in the near future.

"I'm not in my mid-20s anymore, but I do think based on what my situation has been like the last three or four years, I do think this (offseason) is drastically different," Romo said.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett provided Romo with a vote of confidence Wednesday.

"He's healthier than he's been," Garrett said of Romo. "He's been able to go through more of the offseason program, lay the foundation for himself with (strength coach Mike Woicik) and his staff back there. I think his back feels better. I think he's come back from the surgery on his collarbone seemingly without any problems."

With Romo making great progress, and 2016 fourth overall pick Ezekiel Elliott ready to take command of the running game, the Cowboys are preparing to capture the division for the second time in three years.