Thu Oct 16 01:11:28 2008

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Report: Romo trying to play Sunday

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Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who originally was expected to be sidelined for a month with a broken pinkie finger on his throwing hand, apparently wants to try and play Sunday at St. Louis.

The Cowboys Web site reports Romo, with the help of specially-made splints and wraps from the team, threw before practice on Wednesday.

Earlier in the week, future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre reportedly made a phone call to Romo to say that he played through a fractured thumb and encouraged the Dallas QB to play through the pain if he could.

There's no word from the Cowboys if Romo's timetable for his return has changed. He was hurt on the first play of overtime in Sunday's 30-24 setback at Arizona, as he was stripped of the football by Chike Okeafor during a scramble. Romo stayed on the field for what turned out to be the final two offensive plays of the game -- both incomplete passes -- as the Cowboys lost on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.

If Romo can't play, Brad Johnson is expected to take over as the starter for this week's game against St. Louis. The 40-year-old veteran last started an NFL game on December 17, 2006 with Minnesota.

Dallas' third quarterback is currently Brooks Bollinger.

The Cowboys have lost two of their last three games and own a record of 4-2, tied for second in the NFC East with the Washington Redskins.

Romo completed 24-of-39 passes for 321 yards with three touchdowns in Sunday's game. He was sacked three times and left the stadium after the contest with his right hand heavily iced and wrapped.

In six games this season, Romo has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 1,689 yards with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has a quarterback rating of 103.0 -- second-best in the NFC.