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It’s still very unclear when or if Tony Romo will be back on the field.

But just having him back on the practice field was a welcome sight for the Cowboys yesterday, as he took part on a limited basis in his first day of work since breaking bones in his back on Aug. 25. Thursday was the nine-week mark of a recovery pegged between six to 10 weeks. He’s not going to play this week against the Eagles, and the Cowboys didn’t want to get too far down that road considering how well rookie replacement Dak Prescott’s playing.

“I don’t think we knew exactly how long or still know how long it will be,” offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said, via Todd ARcher of ESPN.com. “I’m sure he’s been chomping at the bit to get back out there, but he’s got to listen to the doctors, trainers and his body and just don’t be impatient. Just get better on a daily basis.”

Linehan stuck closely to “We’re just getting ready to play this game this week,” in terms of Romo’s future, but it was hard for those who have known Romo the longest to not be a little excited.

“He looks good. Young 9 out there throwing it,” veteran tight end Jason Witten said. “He looks rejuvenated. As I say, he brought a lot of energy. It’s always good to have him back out there. I know he’s worked hard to come back and excited to see him take that next step of going on the field.”

When he takes the next step as a starter again is anyone’s guess.