Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett says quarterback Tony Romo had season-ending back surgery Friday morning.
Romo injured his back during last weekend's game against the Washington Redskins, where he still somehow managed to lead the offense on a nine-play, 87-yard touchdown drive in the come-from-behind victory.
"He might have had his finest hour against the Redskins last week, what he did at the end of that ballgame under the circumstances," Garrett said. "Pretty special."
Garrett said the team exhausted all options, including rehab and treatment, and that Romo will be placed on injured reserve Friday. Garrett added that the surgery went well, though further details about the surgery have not yet been released by the team. The team did say that surgery to remove a cyst from Romo's back in April is not related to his current injury.
On 105.3-FM, owner Jerry Jones said he anticipates Romo will be healthy and ready to go when OTAs begin in the spring.
On Monday, it was reported Romo's injury was severe enough that he was done for the year. Through Thursday, Garrett remained steadfast that the team had made no decision about who would play Sunday and remained optimistic Romo would be available.
The Dallas Cowboys confirmed Friday that backup quarterback Kyle Orton will get the start on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Former Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna, who was signed earlier this week, will serve as Orton's backup.
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Earlier this week, Jones told the Star-Telegram that the team would have plenty of offensive power with Orton at the helm.
"We've been operating as if Kyle Orton is going to be our starting quarterback," Garrett said. "At the same time we were trying to do whatever we could to see if we could help Tony and get him back as quickly as possible. We just felt like this was the best course of action."
The Cowboys and the Eagles face off Sunday night on NBC 5 for the NFC East crown and a trip to the playoffs.
