Around the NFL: Romo concedes Prescott has earned Cowboys’ starting QB job

(AP) – Tony Romo stopped a reporter in the middle of what appeared to be the first question in his first meeting with the media since August. The Dallas quarterback brought a statement, and he wasn’t going to answer any questions Tuesday.

The 36-year-old coming off his fourth back injury in less than four years conceded the starting job to Dak Prescott, who has led the Cowboys (8-1) to a franchise season record-tying eight straight wins and the best record in the NFL.

And a somber Romo didn’t hide his disappointment while reading the five-minute statement.

“He’s earned the right to be our quarterback,” Romo said of the 23-year-old rookie. “As hard as that is for me to say, he’s earned that right. He’s guided our team to an 8-1 record and that’s hard to do.”

Romo signed the first $100-million contract in franchise history in 2013 and counts $20.8 million against the salary cap this season. The cap hit next year is nearly $25 million, but the Cowboys can reduce it by roughly  $5 million if they release him.