Dallas Cowboys giving Brandon Weeden starting reps in Romo’s absence

The Dallas Morning News reports that QB Brandon Weeden is “getting all the reps” right now thanks to precautions centered around starting quarterback Tony Romo’s recovery from surgery and Kyle Orton’s odd disappearance from the team.

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Regardless of the circumstances, it is huge news for Weeden.

It’s a golden opportunity for the former first-round pick to get some extra work in with his new team in an attempt to solidify the position as the primary backup on the Dallas Cowboys depth chart.

Weeden likely would have entered OTAs and training camp as the third quarterback on the depth chart behind Orton, but Orton is weighing retirement options and may not be returning to the team.

Reps are often the biggest hurdle for a fringe roster player in the NFL.

It will now be up to Weeden to make something of the additional reps he will be getting leading up to and throughout training camp. If Romo happens to go down with another unfortunate injury, the Cowboys will have a player who is mentally and physically ready to step into the starting lineup.

Weeden may not be a savior, but he has enough talent to serve as a serviceable back up and stop-gap starter for the Cowboys if need be in 2014.