Recovery time is generally 8 to 10 weeks. With the Cowboys at 1-4, there may not be any reason to rush back.
The play came early in the second quarter, with Romo throwing a pass to Miles Austin, then taking a hard hit from blitzing Michael Boley. The linebacker came in unblocked and running at him practically full speed. Romo landed on the shoulder and remained flat on his back until being helped by trainers. He was taken into the locker room for X-rays and replaced by backup Jon Kitna.
Romo returned to the bench at the start of the second half, his left arm in a sling and covered by a jacket. He also wore a headset to stay in tune with the game. When Dallas' first series fizzled, he discussed what went wrong with Kitna and looked over pictures of the plays with third-stringer Stephen McGee. He then stood alone and watched the offense go back for its second try.
Romo took every snap last season — making Kitna the NFL's only No. 2 quarterback not to play — and had done so through five games this season.
Kitna's first pass was swatted down at the line. His first series ended with a field goal that stretched Dallas' lead to 13-7. They were losing 24-20 at halftime, then 31-20 early in the third quarter.
Romo had been 5 of 7 for 39 yards with a touchdown pass.
The Cowboys also lost defensive end Jason Hatcher to a groin injury.