Brian Blanco/Associated Press

Josh Johnson is reportedly getting a shot to extend his NFL career in the aftermath of one of the league's elite quarterbacks going down with a severe injury.

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Report: Johnson Working Out for Cowboys

Monday, Sept. 21

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported the Dallas Cowboys are taking a look at Johnson as they scramble for depth following Week 2. Star signal-caller Tony Romo suffered a fractured left clavicle in the Cowboys' victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving Brandon Weeden in line to take over starting duties.

The Cowboys will also be working out free agent Christian Ponder, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Although Johnson has seldom stuck on an NFL roster since being a 2008 fifth-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he does have good size (6'3", 205 lbs), a live arm and enough athleticism to beat defenses with his legs.

Since he's never proven his worth as a starting-caliber QB, Johnson likely won't see the field for America's Team unless the Cowboys install a special package for him. The New York Jets released him amid final roster cuts, and he was cast off by the Cincinnati Bengals in late August.

Weeden is the only other quarterback on Dallas' roster; the best the team could do as it stands is promote Kellen Moore from the practice squad. Moore is in his fourth year as a pro and has never thrown a pass in the regular season.

And this is all operating under the assumption Johnson signs with the Cowboys, which isn't guaranteed. La Canfora indicated Johnson is one of multiple QBs Dallas has reached out to, so it's possible there's a superior option the team can bring in to back up Weeden—or perhaps spell him in the event of poor play.