Jerry Jones: Nothing to gain from playing Romo late in season

It appears even the most staunch Tony Romo supporter has come to realize there's no quarterback controversy in Dallas.

The Cowboys, with the top seed in the NFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs already wrapped up, defeated a team fighting for its playoff life Monday with a 42-21 blowout victory over the Detroit Lions. Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott completed 15 of 20 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns, playing every snap of the penultimate regular-season game.

After that performance, team owner Jerry Jones conceded there was no use playing their former starter and current backup, Romo, and risking opening up another debate about who should start in the playoffs.

"We don't think we can gain anything from him running a few plays ... not worth the risk," Jones said, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

So, despite the three-touchdown lead late in Monday's contest, Romo remained stapled to the bench.

If it were up to Jones, Romo would stay there for the team's inconsequential regular-season finale Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

"We don't feel like that any game we'd get for him that him stepping out there running a few plays or series would be worth the risk," Jones said, Todd Archer of ESPN reports.

He cited the experience Prescott gained Monday as an example of why he should remain in the lineup heading into the playoffs.

"Look at what Dak Prescott learned tonight and what's now in his computer that wasn't there before tonight in terms of working with Dez (Bryant) in terms of executing the offense. With him being a rookie, we really need all these reps he can get, including any reps we get this week and next week, because we want him to be as educated and as well-prepared and have as much experience as he can when we get in the playoffs."