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DALLAS COWBOYS
Tony Romo

Tony Romo 'fine' despite leaving Cowboys game after taking hit to back

USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys’ season flashed before their eyes again, but quarterback Tony Romo assured fans they can breathe easy.

Romo left Thursday night’s exhibition after taking an awkward hit from Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril on the game’s third play that left the Cowboys star clutching his back.

But both he and Cowboys coach Jason Garrett were confident that there were no serious effects from the hit.

"I feel fine," Romo told reporters after the game. "Obviously it was a jolt to the back, and it was kind of a perfect storm for a perfect hit. But I'm fine. ... I could have come back in, but it was (Garrett's) decision."

Romo writhed on the ground for some time after the hit before going to the sideline, where he spoke with team medical personnel before putting back on his helmet and doing some throwing.

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"That was probably as tough a hit as I've taken on my back in the last five years," Romo said.

Romo said he did not undergo an X-ray because he only felt normal soreness, which was already starting to fade by postgame.

"We don't think it's a serious thing, and we just felt better keeping him out," Garrett said.

Romo had a significant back injury in 2014, but missed just one game. He missed all but four games last season because of two collarbone breaks.

Rookie backup Dak Prescott, who has been impressive in the preseason, took over for Romo after the hit. Prescott capped his first drive with a 17-yard scoring strike to tight end Jason Witten. He finished the night with 116 yards and the touchdown on 17-of-23 passing.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott also made his preseason debut Thursday after sitting out the first two weeks with a hamstring injury. The No. 4 overall pick in April's NFL draft had seven carries for 48 yards.

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