Mon Oct 13 13:19:46 2008

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Romo sidelined with broken finger

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Irving, TX (Sports Network) - Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is expected to be sidelined for a month with a broken pinkie finger on his throwing hand.

Romo 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. He 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.

Brad Johnson is expected to take over as the starter for next week's game against St. Louis. The 40-year-old veteran, who last started an NFL game on December 17, 2006 with Minnesota, will also likely play the following two games against Tampa Bay and the New York Giants before the club's bye on November 9. Romo could possibly return for the November 16 contest at Washington.

Dallas' third quarterback is currently Brooks Bollinger.

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.

Johnson is in his second year with the Cowboys and 17th season in the NFL. He saw action in just one game behind center last year, throwing 11 passes and completing seven for 79 yards in the regular-season finale at Washington.

The Florida State product has also played for Minnesota (twice), Washington and Tampa Bay during a lengthy career. He was the Super Bowl winning quarterback with the Buccaneers after the 2002 season.

A Pro Bowl selection after the 1999 season with Washington and the 2002 campaign with Tampa Bay, Johnson's teams own a record of 71-51 in his starts. He has thrown for 28,627 yards while completing 53.4 percent of his passes with 164 touchdowns and 117 interceptions in 161 NFL games, including 122 starts.