It was just supposed to be coachspeak, but Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett may have been more accurate about quarterback Tony Romo's diagnosis than originally believed.
Bleacherreport.com has found a former NFL head team physician who in general terms is refuting an ESPN report citing a source within the NFL stating that Romo's season is over because of a herniated disc in the lumbar region of the back.
According to ESPN, Dr. Michael Kaplan, who has not evaluated Romo, said an operation for an injury of this nature is 95 percent predictable with a three to four month recovery.
However, Dr. David J. Chao, the former San Diego Chargers head physician, said he believes Romo had a herniated disc before Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins and potentially could play in the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The winner of that game will advance to the NFC playoffs while the loser will shut out from the postseason.
"All due respect to @ESPNNFL reports, if i were @dallascowboys fan, would hold out hope for Tony Romo based on my previous tweets.#NotDoneYet," Chao tweeted.
He added that if the Cowboys' medical staff could calm Romo's symptoms associated with the herniated disc, he still could start against the Eagles.
"Herniated disc don't go away but symptoms can improve with treatment, medicine and epidural steroid injections. #Romo @dallascowboys," Chao tweeted, then added:
"Would be unusual for #Romo to finish game and have symptoms worsen to the point he needs immediate surgery. Likely spasm and pain.
"Many NFL players play with herniated disc and delay surgery until after the season. (of course i don't have any direct knowledge of #Romo)
"In the #Romo risk/reward equation, playing with a herniated lumbar disc has no increase chance of paralysis, even with a big hit."
Garrett said during a Monday news conference that Romo has not been ruled out for the upcoming game against the Eagles.
Romo himself said after Sunday's game that he did not believe the injury he suffered against the Redskins would keep him out against the Eagles.
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