Tony Romo is hitting the throttle on the fast track to his return.
The Cowboys' veteran quarterback will begin to intensify his workout routine this week as he eyes a Week 8 return following Dallas' bye week, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday.
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Romo is expected to increase conditioning and throwing with the anticipation of being ready to return to action, allowing another four weeks of rehabilitation after suffering a compression fracture in his L1 vertebra six weeks ago. If he manages to stay healthy, he'll make his regular-season debut Oct. 30 at home against the Eagles.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted earlier this month that he expected the 36-year-old quarterback would be able to return to the lineup "sooner rather than later."
In the meantime, Dallas appears to be in good hands with rookie backup Dak Prescott. The former Mississippi State quarterback, who was selected in the fourth round this year by the Cowboys, has thrown for 767 yards and a touchdown in his first three games. He's completed 66.7 percent of his passes and has yet to throw an interception in 99 pass attempts.
The Cowboys, 2-1, play the 49ers Sunday.