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Tony Romo Undergoes Back Surgery, Out For Sunday

By Spike Eskin and Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Tony Romo will not play on Sunday against the Eagles. That is not a speculative report, it is official.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett announced Friday that Romo underwent back surgery on Friday morning, and is out for the remainder of the season. Kyle Orton will start in place of Romo.

For Eagles fan Chris Ball of Chester, beating the Cowboys Sunday would have been sweeter if Dallas quarterback Tony Romo were under center.

"We wanted to see Romo in there and see him get beat. It would have meant more to us if Romo was playing."

But Romo is out and Ball -- attending the 94 WIP Eagles rally at Chickie's and Pete's in South Philly -- says that makes the game only a little tougher for the Birds.

"I think it would have given us a better chance if Romo played because you know he always chokes in the end!"

Edith and Chris Ball
(credit: Mike DeNardo)

Romo aggravated a back injury in Sunday's win over Washington. Reports earlier in the week said Romo would miss Sunday's game, but Jason Garrett and owner Jerry Jones have suggested Romo was trying to get himself ready to play.

Garrett said the surgery was successful, and unrelated to previous surgeries Romo has had on his back. Romo will be placed on the injured reserve list.

"We anticipate surgery solving the issue he had in the game last Sunday," Garrett said. "We feel like it went well."

Eagles fan Kelly Batchelder of Alexandria, Virginia thinks wide-receiver Desean Jackson said it best, "I think (DeSean) Jackson said it perfectly,  he said it doesn't matter who's playing.  If we're going to win, we've got to play with the best people.  It doesn't matter who's out there."

She says the Eagles are peaking at the right time and she wouldn't be surprised to see her Birds under first year coach Chip Kelly heading to the Super Bowl in February.

Sally, Kelly and Jim Batchelder
(credit: Mike DeNardo)

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