Tony Romo Reportedly Has 2 Transverse Process Fractures in Back

The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the toughest teams to beat in the NFL this season, and much of the credit goes to quarterback Tony Romo. However, the star slinger's back issues have become a major cause for concern.

Romo has two small fractures in the transverse process in his back, per ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer: 

FanSided editor-in-chief and Sports Illustrated contributor Josh Sanchez passed along a helpful diagram:

"

Romo has 2 fractured transverse process in back.Yikes.For those (like me) who dont know what a tranverse process is pic.twitter.com/B0jHPL7DZF

— Josh Sánchez (@jnsanchez) November 1, 2014"

ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell tweeted that Romo's prior back injuries cannot be overlooked in this situation:

Romo was forced out of a portion of the Cowboys' 20-17 Week 8 loss to the Washington Redskins after taking a blow to his back. He would return to that game in the fourth quarter, but he wasn't very effective. ESPN's Ed Werder explained why the Cowboys let Romo back into the contest:

Former NFL physician David J. Chao noted the painful nature of the injury but did suggest Romo can still play:

Rom has spoken about his injury, suggesting that his ability to contribute—not the level of pain experienced—is the bigger factor in determining whether or not he will play.

“If it turns out to be just the pain tolerance, I will play," he said on Wednesday, per The Dallas Morning News' David Moore. "That part has never been an issue. But you’ve got to wait to see."

"It will be about your ability to be productive in some fashion. That part of it, we will continue to evaluate,’’ Romo continued, via Moore.

The Cowboys (6-2) have a tough matchup against the Arizona Cardinals (6-1) on Sunday. The team will have to keep a close eye on Romo, as this back injury could limit his mobility and tolerance when it comes to taking big hits.

Romo is listed as questionable on the official injury report. 

Backup signal-caller Brandon Weeden filled in admirably for Romo against the Redskins, but the 31-year-old has a mediocre history as a starter with 24 touchdowns against 26 interceptions for his career. Holding off the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East will be even more difficult for the Cowboys if Romo's injury lingers.