Cowboys QB Romo returns to practice

Oct 16, 2008 - 9:17 PM IRVING, Texas (Ticker) -- Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who is expected to miss four weeks with a broken pinkie on his throwing hand, returned to practice Thursday.

While veteran Brad Johnson took the reps with the starters during the media access portion of practice, Romo did take some limited snaps out of the shotgun. His passes reportedly fluttered more than normal.

"He threw the ball pretty well," coach Wade Phillips said. "I'm not going to count him out as far as the game is concerned, but Brad took most of the snaps."

Romo also threw passes with a cast on his right pinkie Wednesday, and has reportedly asked to start this week against the St. Louis Rams.

Romo was expected to miss four weeks - three games - with the injury, which he suffered on the first play of overtime in Sunday's 30-24 loss to Arizona. The injury is problematic because it is on his throwing hand, but the Pro Bowler is hoping to play against the Rams.

Romo, who has thrown for 1,689 yards and NFL-best 14 touchdowns, said on Wednesday that he would like to play this season.

"He's a competitor," Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten told the Dallas Morning News. "He wants to play. I don't know if he will be back this week or not. But it's encouraging to all of us that he will be back sooner (rather) than later."

Phillips had said Romo will not play if he does not practice. If Romo is indeed out, the 40-year-old Johnson would get his first start since December 17, 2006, as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.