If he can manage pain
Chicago Tribune
If Tony Romo can do no further damage by playing, and if he can handle excruciating pain without allowing it to affect his performance, he should and will suit up for the Cowboys on Monday when they play host to the Redskins.
Based on what the Cowboys are saying, it appears likely he will receive medical clearance.
Now it becomes a matter of pain management. Romo did fine with that Sunday, when he threw for many of his 345 yards after the injury. He said it hurt to breathe and talk and he felt sick to his stomach. Pain like that can turn a heroic quarterback into a goat. The Cowboys have to hope Romo can continue to block it out.
Give him Sunday off
Sam Farmer
Los Angeles Times
Even though it's unlikely the Cowboys will sit Tony Romo and plenty of players have winced their way through that type of injury on the field, the club should strongly consider giving him the week off.
It's a long season, the level of attrition in the NFC East is brutal and backup Jon Kitna played very well after Jason Garrett took over last season
Besides, whoever would be taking the snaps for the Cowboys will be playing behind a line that includes rookies at center and right tackle and Redskins castoff Derrick Dockery at left guard. That protection is a work in progress. It's all a moot point, though, because the Cowboys are going with a flak-jacketed Romo.
Will he help them win?
Joseph Schwerdt
Sun Sentinel
When Drew Bledsoe was sidelined by a punctured lung 10 years ago, doctors told him he could end his life if he played. What they didn't say is it would end his career if he didn't.
Bledsoe sat and faded away. Tom Brady played and the rest fills the shelves of NFL Films. No one should suggest Bledsoe should have played with his life on the line. But that doesn't appear to be the case with Romo. Nor does it appear Romo could lose his job to Jon Kitna.
If the injury is not life-threatening and Romo can handle the pain, it's likely he'll play Monday night against the Redskins. If Romo says he can go, the Cowboys must assess whether they have a better chance at winning with him, and that's likely. Expect Romo to play.
Shouldn't — but he will
Baltimore Sun
Tony Romo should not play in the Cowboys' next game against the Redskins on Monday night, but he probably will. He should not play until he's completely healthy and there is no risk of further injury.
I can't imagine playing with a punctured lung and a broken rib. But he's a football player, and football players play when they shouldn't. Just the fact he was able to rally the Cowboys past the 49ers on Sunday gives him enough evidence to prove he should play against the Redskins.
With the bright lights of Dallas' gigantic stadium shining and a "Monday Night Football" audience tuning in, Romo will make his way out of the tunnel to lead the Cowboys to victory. No one said he was smart.