Romo, Hall add subplot to Cowboys vs. Redskins

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (AP) - Tony Romo has a message for DeAngelo Hall: He’ll be coming after him, too.

Despite a cracked rib that led to a punctured lung last Sunday, Romo seems to have healed enough to start for the Dallas Cowboys when they play host to Hall and the Washington Redskins on Monday night.

The injury is no secret, nor is the notion a foe will try hitting him where it hurts to see just how well his protective vest and painkilling medication really work. Usually, though, that goes without saying. Hall went ahead and said it, declaring, “I want to get a chance to put my helmet on whatever’s hurt.”

He added: “I’m going to be asking for some corner blitzes.”

Tough talk from a guy who has a total of one sack in 103 games, and it wasn’t even his own doing. He got a half-sack as a rookie in 2004, and another half in 2008.

Romo actually wouldn’t mind seeing No. 23 coming his way.

“If he’s blitzing, that means he’s not covering,” Romo said. “So we’ll attack his guy he’s covering.”

Romo vs. Hall has a long way to go before joining the pantheon of great subplots in the Cowboys-Redskins series, but it’s the best going into this game.

The main plot is pretty good, too.

Washington (2-0) and Dallas (1-1) are vying for early supremacy in the NFC East, a status handed to Philadelphia after its offseason spending spree. The Eagles remain a solid threat, but at least one of these teams could put up a fight, too.

The Cowboys‘ chances are more tenuous, especially because they are so banged up.

Even if Romo plays, he will be without receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) and could be without receiver Dez Bryant (thigh). Running back Felix Jones will play with a shoulder that was dislocated last week, and two of Dallas’ inexperienced linemen are trying to play through knee injuries. Seven players who’ve started games missed at least one practice this week, plus they could be without kickoff specialist David Buehler.

Coach Jason Garrett preaches that injuries are opportunities for others, and former reality TV star Jesse Holley took advantage last Sunday. He replaced Austin in overtime and caught a 77-yard pass to set up the winning field goal. His first career catch came on the drive that tied the game near the end of the fourth quarter. The secondary should get a boost, too, with the return of cornerback Terence Newman. He’s been out since early August with a groin problem.

As long as Dallas’ injury list is, Romo said the club is somewhat lucky because none of the injuries are long-term. Players had an extra day to heal before playing Washington, this is the first of two straight at home and then there’s a bye week.

It all adds up to this game marking an early crossroad.

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