The Sports Xchange

Quarterback Tony Romo could be a candidate for injured reserve-designated to return to the 53-man roster in eight weeks after opting against surgery on his fractured left collarbone.

Surgery to insert a plate and promote rapid healing is common for clavicle injuries. Romo could return to practice within six or seven weeks and to game action in eight weeks based on additional tests conducted Monday, according to multiple reports.

Romo missed 10 games in 2010 with the same injury.

Romo said he felt the bone pop when he was sacked by linebacker Jordan Hicks in the third quarter and lost the ball, a fumble the Eagles recovered. The Cowboys held on for the win and at 2-0, will navigate the next two months with Brandon Weeden at quarterback.

The Cowboys could use the IR-recall option for Romo because already injured star wide receiver Dez Bryant counts against the 53-man roster limit. If the Cowboys don’t assign Romo to the temporary IR, they would be working with just a 51-man roster for the next 6-8 weeks.

Bryant left the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory with a fractured right foot and has surgery two days later.