Owner Jones hints Romo may return vs. Steelers

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is not ruling out the return of veteran quarterback Tony Romo for Dallas’ game at the Pittsburgh Steelers next weekend, saying that “he’s ahead of last year.”

“Unlike last week, I wouldn’t speculate,” Jones told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after a 35-10 win at the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. “I don’t know. But he will do more. And he’s really doing things that are strong relative to last year’s strength.”

Whether or not Romo — sidelined with a broken bone in his back — will start over rookie sensation Dak Prescott, Jones was less speculative.

Jones, who earlier in the season said that Romo would be the starter upon his return, recently changed his tune and sounds more open to the possibility of unleashing the Prescott era in Dallas.

However, Jones did stress his desire to win a Super Bowl with Romo under center.

“I think Tony Romo is one of the best quarterbacks that have played this game,” Jones said. “My real regret would be to have had him here and not won a Super Bowl with him. He’s that talented.”

Romo, 36, has 12 NFL seasons under his belt — all with the Cowboys — and is a four-time Pro Bowler. The oft-injured quarterback has never reached the NFC Championship Game, only twice making it out of the first round.

Prescott, meanwhile, has taken the league by storm since debuting in Romo’s absence. The 23-year-old out of Mississippi State has thrown for 2,020 yards and 12 touchdowns opposite two interceptions in eight games.

Dallas (7-1) sits atop the NFC East and is tied with the New England Patriots for the league’s best record.

Asked about the possibility of a returning Romo usurping Prescott, Jones playfully deflected.

“Well you didn’t ask a bad question. I just didn’t answer your question,” Jones said. “We’ve got a great luxury, a wonderful problem to have.”

“Look at Dak and how he’s playing, his future, so I just don’t have a problem with this situation.”