Cowboys' Tony Romo: Unlikely to return before mid-season

Romo (back) is unlikely to return before mid-season, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

Analysis:

Romo played through two broken bones in his back during the 2014 season, which may explain why head coach Jason Garrett has yet to rule his starting quarterback out for Week 1. Despite Garrett's hesitance to do so, every report suggests Romo is facing an extended absence, as his current injury is different from the back issues he dealt with in previous seasons. More specifically, Romo has been diagnosed with a compression fracture of his L1 vertebrae, which typically requires 6-to-10 weeks of recovery, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. With Kellen Moore (broken ankle) already expected to miss most of the season, rookie fourth-round selection Dak Prescott is the favorite to start Week 1 against the Giants. The rookie has been phenomenal through the first three weeks of the preseason, completing 39 of 50 passes for 454 yards and five touchdowns, with another two touchdowns on the ground and no fumbles or interceptions. According to Sirius XM Sports Medical Analyst David J. Chao, Romo will be out for a minimum of six weeks, but he won't need surgery and shouldn't have any long-term complications.