Tony Romo Clavicle Fracture: Will Cowboys Quarterback Need Surgery?

(CBS/AP) The game wasn't the only thing the Dallas Cowboys lost in last night's contest against the New York Giants. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo broke his left clavicle in the second quarter and may be lost for the season.

The broken clavicle (collarbone) was caused by a hard hit just after Romo passed the ball. "I tried lifting my shoulder and it hurt like heck, but I was like, OK, it will just keep getting better," Romo told ESPN. He said he had thought that he might be able to return to the game, adding "but that was before I knew it was broken."

Romo said he would undergo tests to determine the damage, but Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the quarterback could miss six to eight weeks, according to ESPN. The quarterback might need surgery to repair the break, Jones said.

Broken collarbones are common injuries in sports that involve contact or hard falls, including hockey and skiing as well as football, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. Most such injuries heal on their own without surgery, though severe breaks often require surgery.

If Romo does require surgery, it's going to take him a while to mend. Typically, patients must limit their use of the arm on the side of the break for six to eight weeks. After that, it's often possible to use the arm for dressing, bathing, and other daily activities - but reaching, pushing, pulling, etc. are off-limits until the doctor gives the all-clear.

The Cowboys lost 41-35.