Sunday, October 19, 2008

Cowboys soldier on without Romo, 'Pacman'

Cowboys (4-2) at Rams (1-4)

Time: Noon. TV / Radio: KCIT-TV, KARX (95.7-FM). Line: Cowboys by 7. Weather: Dome.

Cowboys: QB Tony Romo now says he wants to play with the broken pinkie on his throwing hand. If he doesn't, 40-year-old Brad Johnson would take over, so Cowboys' passing game could be limited. Can receiver Roy Williams, acquired from Lions on Tuesday, help right away?

Rams: The Rams just beat the Redskins, who had already beaten the Cowboys, who are now banged up, so ... Rams will still need to find some offense to pull off another upset.

Fantasy outlook: Marion Barber, averaging 4.0 yards per carry with four rushing TDs, may have a bigger role in the Cowboys' running game because RB Felix Jones also is hurt. Marc Bulger has thrown only two TD passes vs. two INTs for Rams.

Injuries: Felix Jones is out two to four weeks with knee injury, punter Mat McBriar gone for year with broken foot. ... Rams defensive back Ricky Manning Jr. (broken leg) is out for year.

Prediction: Cowboys 20, Rams 17.
- Terry Bannon, Chicago Tribune