Rookie Dak Prescott proved serviceable for the Cowboys in their first game, but he might not have the job for long.

Tony Romo, Dallas' starting quarterback for the last decade (when healthy), is out once again with a compression fracture in his back. The initial timetable for his return was a broad 6-10 weeks. More recently, his return was slated for Week 9, but Romo anticipates it to come sooner.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, from Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram:

“Romo is upbeat,” Jones said. “He is just doing what he needs to be doing. He still has his support and will continue to have that support. It’s about not getting overzealous sitting down.

“He expects to be back sooner rather than later.”

Prescott did everything Dallas asked for in Week 1, compiling 227 yards through the air with no interceptions. There's been speculation that he could keep the starting job even when Romo returns if he plays well enough.

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Jones' comments were focused strictly on Romo, who underwent X-rays on his back last week:

“Everything is fine, not fine, but is on go,” Jones said. “[The X-rays showed] nothing that would in any way get in the area of a setback or would show concern.”

With Prescott on board, there's no need to rush Romo back, especially considering his history of injuries. The NFC East is far from being a powerhouse division, so Dallas still has a solid shot despite Romo's absence.

They were only a few plays away from overcoming the rival Giants yesterday, giving up a late touchdown before falling 20-19. With their offensive line and the explosive running back combo of Ezekiel Elliott and Alfred Morris, optimism is still brimming in the Big D.