IRVING, Texas — Never has a fractured right pinkie finger caused so much concern.
The Cowboys are about to find out what life is like without Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo for the next month after he suffered the injury in Sunday’s overtime loss at Arizona.
If the timetable is correct, Romo, who will not require surgery, will miss three games. The Cowboys have a bye Nov. 9. Romo was not available for comment.
“Different people heal differently,” coach Wade Phillips said.
Romo suffered the injury on the first play of overtime when he was sacked by Chike Okeafor for a 7-yard loss. His next two throws were well off target, and he probably would not have returned had the Cardinals not scored.
The Cowboys will turn to Brad Johnson, who at 40 will be the oldest starting quarterback in the NFL.
Johnson is 71-51 as a starter in his 17-year career with four teams. He has thrown 164 touchdown passes.
In two stints with Minnesota, Johnson came off the bench to replace an injured starter, going 5-3 in 1996 for Warren Moon and 7-2 in 2005 for Daunte Culpepper.
“I don’t think I need to say too much,” said Johnson, who led Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl win in 2002.
