Tony Romo remains away from the CBS booth at the very least till October. His absence will continue through at least Week 3n according to CBS Sports.
What We Know: CBS confirmed its Weeks 2 and 3 broadcast assignments Monday. Meanwhile, JJ Watt will keep filling in for Romo alongside Jim Nantz, calling Steelers-Patriots this Sunday and Ravens-Cowboys in Week 3 from Brazil. Romo has been on leave since his July arrest for OWI in Wisconsin. He pled no contest to the charge earlier this month, and said he would be turning his attention to his health, family, and a return to CBS.
What’s At Stake: Romo is set to make $18 million this season calling games for CBS Sports. He has four years remaining on the deal he signed back in 2020 with the network. Whether or not CBS Sports is willing to walk away from the agreement with Romo over his OWI arrest is still unknown. But with every week that passes, it puts more pressure on a network to make a decision on a return or to cut loose.
What Remains Unclear: No timetable exists for Romo’s return, according to CBS. Also, if Romo were to return, what would comprise the booth arrangement with analysts also remains unknown.
What It Means: Romo’s absence is testing CBS’s depth chart. In the meantime, Ross Tucker continues filling in for Watt alongside Ian Eagle through Week 3. Additionally, Luke Kuechly debuts as a CBS analyst in Week 3, pairing with Chris Lewis. Ultimately, Romo’s long-term future, and his $18 million annual deal, now face real scrutiny. If CBS decides to part ways, there will likely be fallout and a settlement of some sort. If CBS decides to keep Romo, the network will also face additional scrutiny and a magnified viewing public on everything regarding Tony Romo.
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