Tony Romo 'fighting through' pain
— -- IRVING, Texas -- Coach Jason Garrett said Tony Romo was feeling better but not "overly comfortable" Wednesday as the Dallas Cowboys began preparations for Sunday's NFC East championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Romo did not practice, nor did he go through pre-practice meetings as he continues to receive treatment on an ailing back. Sources said Romo had an epidural on Monday to help alleviate the pain from his back.
The Cowboys have not ruled Romo out of Sunday's game, but sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen that Romo will not play and needs season-ending surgery to repair a herniated disk.
"I saw him briefly today, and he's fighting through it," Garrett said. "He's certainly in a situation where he's trying to do everything he can to get himself back with the rehab process and treatment process, like any injured player would. He's a tough guy, as we saw the other day. We'll just see how he does."
Garrett said the team would not "compromise him for now or for the future" when discussing the risk and reward of Romo playing against the Eagles. Kyle Orton will start if the Cowboys say Romo is ruled out.
"We'll make our best medical decision, and we'll make our best football decision," Garrett said.
Jon Kitna joined the Cowboys on the practice field after his signing was finalized Wednesday. Kitna has not played since 2011 and has been teaching and coaching in Tacoma, Wash., since leaving the Cowboys.
The Cowboys worked out five quarterbacks on Tuesday: David Carr, John Skelton, Caleb Hanie, Tyler Thigpen and Richard Bartel.
"When you looked at the landscape of guys who could help on short notice, Kitna was a guy who kind of rose to the top of that," Garrett said. "We have a great history with him. He's been a heckuva football player in this league for a long time. He started a lot of games for us, knows this offense, knows this environment. We felt like on short notice he gives us the best chance if he did in fact have to play in this ballgame."
