Fantasy Sports Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Week 9 Start or Sit: Tony Romo

Fresh Videos

By

Start or Sit? Tony Romo Fantasy Football Week 9

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Romo took a shot to the back late in the third quarter of Monday night’s home loss to the Washington Redskins, while fans took a shot to the heart thinking that their quarterback had re-aggravated his surgically repaired back and perhaps been lost for the season. Luckily for Dallas Cowboys fans, Romo returned to the game after suffering what was only a back contusion, but he was discernibly hampered by the injury.

With Romo’s uncertainty for this Sunday’s road contest against the NFC-leading Arizona Cardinals, fantasy owners should have a viable backup in place just in case Romo is a late scratch. Jerry Jones said earlier in the week that his quarterback’s availability will be based solely on pain tolerance throughout the week. Romo, on the other hand, stated that his availability will be based on his ability to run the Cowboys offense which struggled against the 23rd ranked Washington defense on Monday.

Even if Romo is able to overcome the pain and play on Sunday afternoon, owners should not expect a strong fantasy performance. Arizona’s defensive secondary has struggled this season, allowing over 300 passing yard per game which is a league worst. That would be excellent news for Romo in any other week, but his injury will likely take away his ability to effectively scramble and move around the pocket which makes him so successful.

Arizona is also allowing the third-fewest rush yards to opposing running backs. Arizona has not yet faced the league’s best rusher in DeMarco Murray, but if he is slowed down in any way, that will put added pressure on Romo which he might not be physically able to handle. Dallas’ struggles offensively Monday were in large part due to Washington’s aggressive style of play. The Redskins blitzed on 60 percent of  drop-backs which led to Romo temporarily leaving the game with the back injury. Arizona is the league’s most aggressive defense, blitzing on 45 percent of drop-backs.

Continue to monitor Romo’s status throughout the week. With six teams on their bye, there may not be a vast pool of options at the position, but owners should have a backup in place just in case he is unable to go. My suggestion would be to sit Romo whether he plays or not. The Cowboys have a tough road matchup against a Cardinals team that will smell blood in the water if they see No. 9 taking snaps and will likely send an array of blitzes to make things difficult for the passing game.

Patrick Puzzo is a Fantasy writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @patrickpuzzo_24, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Share Tweet
Trending Now on