Cowboys sign Kitna as 3rd QB
With Tony Romo facing day-to-day status because of a back ailment, the Cowboys brought back a name from the past to serve as quarterback insurance, signing Jon Kitna on Wednesday.
Coach Jason Garrett told reporters he hoped Romo would be able to play Sunday against the Eagles. But Romo did not attend practice or team meetings Wednesday so he could receive treatment.
“He’s fighting through it,” Garrett said. “He’s certainly in a situation where he’s trying to do everything he can to get himself back with the rehab process and treatment process. He’s a tough guy.”
Kitna, 41, last played in the NFL in 2011, retiring from the Cowboys.
Kyle Orton will start if Romo is not cleared medically. Romo reportedly has a herniated disc that will require back surgery. Packers sweat it out: The Packers should have a clearer picture Thursday of the status of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and rookie running back Eddie Lacy for Sunday’s game against the Bears. The winner goes the playoffs, and the loser misses the postseason.
Rodgers is recovering from a broken collarbone. Lacy has a sprained ankle.
Linebacker Clay Matthews is likely not only out Sunday but for the playoffs, if the Packers advance. He broke his thumb for the second time this season. Locked and loaded: The Bengals clinched the AFC North title last weekend. But with an outside chance they could ascend to the No. 2 AFC seed, coach Marvin Lewis plans to use his regulars on Sunday against the Ravens.
If the Bengals win and the Patriots lose to the Bills, the Bengals would climb to the No. 2 spot and receive a first-round bye. The Ravens also will be competing for a playoff spot. Rules peeve Belichick: Patriots coach Bill Belichick blames increased injuries leaguewide on limits on offseason practices, including training camp.
“I’m in favor of total preparation for the players,” Belichick told reporters. “And I think that’s been changed significantly and, I would say, not necessarily for the better when you look at the injury numbers.”
Due to restrictions put in place in 2011, there are no longer two-a-days during training camp, the number of days in pads is limited and offseason team activity was trimmed from 14 weeks to nine weeks. Extra points: There’s no guarantee quarterback Josh McCown will return to the Bears next season even if starter Jay Cutler goes elsewhere. McCown, 34, does not like being away from home, and he said family would determine whether he returns. ... Andy Reid plans to “mix and match” the Chiefs’ starters and reserves against the Chargers since the Chiefs (11-4) have locked down the AFC’s No. 5 seed. ... The Vikings have nothing to play for against the Lions, but Adrian Peterson wants to play in the final game at the Metrodome. “We definitely want to close it out the right way,” said Peterson, who sat out practice Tuesday. He has battled a strained groin and a sprained foot.