We took a field trip out to Valley Ranch this afternoon to check on head coach Wade Phillips and his starting quarterback's right thumb. Phillips said Tony Romo made it through a full practice, although he wasn't able to take snaps under center.
"It's still a little bit sore, basically on the follow-through," Phillips said. "To grip the ball, and his follow-through a little bit was what was hurting him. But not a whole lot. He seemed pretty accurate throwing the football."
The injury has been reported as a contusion, but owner Jerry Jones used the "ligament" word in comments following Sunday's game. I talked to someone close to Romo on Tuesday who said he would be "shocked" if he didn't start against the Panthers.
If Romo isn't able to play, the Cowboys would likely turn to receiver Patrick Crayton as Brad Johnson's backup. Crayton played quarterback at Northwestern (Okla.) State in college.
In other injury news, Phillips said receiver Terry Glenn continues to make progress, but probably won't play against the Panthers. He sounded pretty hopeful, though, that Glenn would be ready for the season-ending game at Washington.
I'm told the Cowboys would like to hold out Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode (left knee) the last two games, but they may not have that luxury. Phillips hasn't officially ruled him out for Saturday's game against the Panthers, but there's no way he plays.
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