Cowboys' Brandon Weeden says he's ready to fill team's backup QB role

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Brandon Weeden told ESPN.com's Todd Archer that he's ready to take control of the Cowboys' offense should something happen to Tony Romo.

When the Cowboys picked up Weeden after he was released by the Cleveland Browns this offseason, many were expecting a battle between he and Kyle Orton for the backup quarterback spot behind Romo since Orton held the job the previous two seasons. But the Cowboys recently released Orton, opening the door for Weeden.

Weeden got a lot of solid reps at OTAs, which he said increased his comfort level with the team's offense.

“I think the reps I got in the OTAs were kind of irreplaceable,” Weeden said. “If I was in a situation where God forbid something happened to Tony and I’m asked to play, those are the guys I’m going to battle with, so those reps I got were invaluable. I know I won’t get many of those in [training] camp, but fortunately I had 12 practices where I was able to get out with those guys. Now it’s, ‘Let’s get to work.’ I’m ready to get to California and get things rolling.” 

With the health of Romo's back in some question, the Cowboys' backup quarterback job could prove more important than others around the league this season.

Weeden, 30, was let go by the Browns after throwing for 23 touchdowns and 26 interceptions over the last two seasons. He was picked by the team No. 22 overall in the 2012 NFL draft.

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- Jack Jorgensen