With Tony Romo sidelined for at least two months, the first-place Dallas Cowboys have no problem putting their season in the capable hands of backup Brandon Weeden.
Um, about that …
Though Jerry Jones is doing his best to talk himself into Weeden (career record: 5-16) — “A thing of beauty throwing the football,” Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “Frankly, you won’t see a more gifted passer” — America’s Team is scrambling to contact a veritable rogues’ gallery of fill-in options.
First, the Cowboys swallowed their pride and reached out to Kyle Orton, according to NFL Network, who retired before the season after absconding with $3 million of Jones’ money. No thanks, he reportedly said.
Christian Ponder, Matt Flynn, Josh Johnson and McLeod Bethel-Thompson are working out for the Cowboys on Tuesday, the Dallas Star-Telegram reports.
Ponder, a Texas native, was the No. 12 overall pick in 2011. He was whacked by the Raiders this offseason after four mostly unproductive seasons with the Vikings. Flynn and Johnson spent time with the Jets during training camp, but failed to beat out novice Bryce Petty for the team’s short-term backup job.
And there are two quarterbacks on the practice squad: Kellen Moore (the lefty from Boise State, remember?) and Jameill Showers.
“We’ll certainly consider all options to make our team better,” Jason Garrett said. “We like the options we have right now.”
OK, so what about … No, shouldn’t even say it. I mean, it’s just too ridiculous, right?
That’s Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, getting creative in brainstorming a season savior.
Surely it couldn’t be worse than the emergency option from Week 2, when Weeden subbed in following Romo’s broken collarbone. The Cowboys would have used direct snaps to running backs Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden.
