Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Friday that quarterback Tony Romo had season-ending back surgery.
“The procedure happened this morning,” Garrett said. “We felt the surgery went well. Tony should be able to come home later today and start his rehabilitation.”
Kyle Orton will start at quarterback for the Cowboys (8-7) against the Philadelphia Eagles (9-6) on Sunday night. The winner clinches the NFC East title and the loser will miss the playoffs.
Newly-signed veteran Jon Kitna will back up Orton.
Romo received an epidural shot Monday to treat a herniated disk in his back and missed practice Thursday. Until Friday, the Cowboys said they were unsure if Romo would play.
Romo played several weeks with a cracked rib and punctured lung in 2011. He also stayed in last Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins after the back injury caused pain to shoot down his right leg.
Romo threw for 3,828 yards with 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this year.