Updating an earlier item:

X-rays on Tony Romo's broken left collarbone show that it's still fractured, and the Cowboys starting quarterback remains at least three weeks away from returning, a source told ESPNDallas.com on Monday.

Romo underwent X-rays Monday morning to see how the injury to his non-throwing arm is healing.

Romo was injured on Oct. 25 in a loss to the New York Giants at Cowboys Stadium when he took a shot on his shoulder by blitzing linebacker Michael Boley.

Romo has been out about four weeks and doctors have told him it takes six to eight weeks for the collarbone to show any real healing. Romo isn't wearing a sling on a regular basis and he made some throws before Sunday's game vs. the Detroit Lions.

The Cowboys are hopeful Romo can return at some point in December, but until then Jon Kitna, 2-2 since replacing Romo, is the starter. Kitna has won his last two ballgames with an efficient brand of football. Against the Lions, Kitna threw for just 147 yards but had three touchdown passes and a quarterback rating of 129.7. The previous week, Kitna attempted just 22 passes but threw for 327 yards and three touchdowns in a road victory over the Giants.

Jerry Jones hopes that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will play again this season, and the owner/general manager's optimism grew after a pregame throwing session Sunday.

Jones said that Romo threw Sunday for the first time since breaking his left collarbone in the Oct. 25 loss to the New York Giants. The injury is expected to sideline Romo at least another three weeks, according to a source.

Team sources told ESPN Senior NFL Analyst Chris Mortensen earlier Sunday that Romo was due for X-rays either Sunday or Monday, but Jones said after the game that X-rays weren't necessary at this point.

Backup quarterback Jon Kitna has had back-to-back outstanding performances during the 3-7 Cowboys' two-game winning streak, but Jones said Kitna's success would not affect the decision about Romo's return.

"When I think of Tony, I think of it more as when he's ready, that type of thing, more than I think about how well Kitna's played," Jones said.

Jones believes there is value in finishing a season with a "good taste" in the Cowboys' mouth, which is why Romo could play in December even if Dallas is officially eliminated from playoff contention.

At first thought, it's hard to believe the Cowboys would want Romo to come back at all this year, especially if they are eliminated. But after a second thought...

There's a good reason to keep Romo around in an IR spot based on this story. If you're headed for a deep playoff run, he faces Washington and Arizona in weeks 15 and 16.

The Dallas offense must block the Lions’ defensive tackle duo of Corey Williams and rookie Ndamukong Suh in order to run and keep Jon Kitna standing. If they can do that, Dallas should be able to throw plenty of corner routes and run wide with Felix Jones and Marion Barber. Kitna is coming off his best throwing game since replacing an injured Tony Romo, who may be back in mid-December.

Dallas WR Dez Bryant is up to speed now, as he showed Sunday, which is why Roy Williams might not be long for the job.

"I understand my role," said Williams, who had two catches for 33 yards. "Make the play when it comes my way. If it's blocking, if it's running a certain route and catching it and doing something with it, so be it. I'm just happy to be a part of this football team."

Sure seems that way. In fact, it seems as if Bryant is Jon Kitna's favorite target above Miles Austin, who was a high draft pick in most leagues this season.

Jason Garrett called only 15 runs in the earlier loss to the Giants, but you figure he wants to keep the game close and that could mean more runs this time around. He needs to protect QB Jon Kitna, who has six interceptions in his last two starts. He’s also been sacked nine times, which is two more than Tony Romo was sacked this season despite 101 fewer pass attempts. Dallas RB Tashard Choice could see more action in this game because he’s solid against the blitz.

For weeks, Jon Kitna never took a snap in practice, but he got them all this week as he’s the Cowboys’ starter, possibly for the rest of the season. Without a strong pass rush, Kitna should have time to throw, and expect him to lock onto TE Jason Witten. The Jaguars don’t really have anyone who can cover Witten, either. He also has a good rapport with rookie WR Dez Bryant.

Speaking about the Cowboys' quarterback situation on Friday, receiver Roy Williams said Jon Kitna is "just as good" as the injured Tony Romo. "I don't think there's any dropoff," Williams insisted. "I think Kitna threw for 4,000 yards two years in a row on (losing teams). I think if he had those stats playing with the Cowboys, he would have been a Pro Bowler, too. But he got overlooked because he played for the Lions."

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (left shoulder Out) did not practice Friday and is Out for week 8. Jon Kitna will get the start in a nice matchup with the Jaguars.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (left shoulder) did not practice Wednesday. Romo will miss at least the next 6 weeks. Jon Kitna will start in a great matchup with the Jaguars.

Cowboy's owner and de-facto head coach, Jerry Jones, says that Jon Kitna is definitely the man moving forward. Jones noted on his weekly radio show that the younger, Stephen McGee, would not get a chance under center.