Romo Can Learn From Bledsoe: Play Now, Pay Later

Tony Romo's apparently been advised by Brett Favre to play through the pain of his broken right pinky finger (Aside: Maybe if Romo backpedaled from the rush every time he throws like Favre has, Romo'd have the same Iron Man streak).

Before he does, Romo might want to ring up his Dallas predecessor Drew Bledsoe and find out how that works out. In 1998, Bledsoe smashed his throwing hand on the helmet of a Dolphins defender and broke his pinky. He played with the pain for a three games (all wins, helping to resuscitate a Patriots season) but the finger worsened and he ultimately had to have pins placed in it. The pins hurt. A lot. And Bledsoe had to be shelved which led to the Patriots being led by Scott Zolak in a playoff game and a quick exit from the postseason.

The difference for the two teams is that the Patriots were on fumes and needed Bledsoe to keep them afloat. The Cowboys, at 4-2, are fine (record-wise). If Romo plays through it and it worsens, as Bledsoe's did, then you have Brad Johnson in the playoffs as opposed to weeks six through 10. Worth considering.