Even with his fractured pinkie, there is no doubt Dallas quarterback Tony Romo wants to play. But being able to play as well as being cleared medically are a different issue.

Romo has been told that if he plays, and if he aggravates his pinkie injury, it could become a displaced fracture. And if his pinkie becomes a displaced fracture, then the 4- to 5-week time frame which Romo is expected to miss would become more prolonged.

With a displaced fracture, Romo would face season-ending surgery.

Now, even with Romo telling the Cowboys coaches he wants to play, Dallas’ coaches must make one of the most significant decisions of this season. Their choice.

There’s a big upside and an even larger downside.