Around the NFL: Romo takes part in throwing drills

Tony Romo participated in throwing drills at practice Wednesday for the first time since the Dallas quarterback broke a bone in his back in a preseason game at Seattle in August.

The 36-year-old Romo worked in several individual drills in shorts and a T-shirt with his teammates in full pads. While he almost certainly won’t play against Philadelphia on Sunday, it’s the biggest step in his latest return from injury.

The Cowboys (5-1) have won five straight with Dak Prescott, who is set to face fellow rookie starter Carson Wentz of the Eagles.

Romo was the third quarterback for each drill behind Prescott and veteran backup Mark Sanchez. Romo appeared to be throwing at full velocity, and also dropped back and threw a few passes on the run. He was listed as a nonparticipant on the practice report.

Concussion changes Newton’s thinking

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has changed his stance on how he views concussions now that he’s had one.

Newton, who just last month downplayed concerns over the long-term effects of repeated blows to the head, said that he now better understands that “concussions are real.”

Speaking publicly for the first time about the concussion he sustained Oct. 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, the league’s reigning MVP said he needed to be more careful in the future, calling the hit “preventable.”

In the past, Newton has downplayed concerns about concussions. Not anymore.

“At [the NFL] level, they are focusing on it,” Newton said. “But in Pee Wee ball, or high school football, that is what turns my stomach because they are being taught by some people who don’t really know football.”

Two arrested in Ware break-in

Police said two men were arrested on suspicion of breaking into the home of Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware and stealing his Super Bowl 50 ring.

Denver police spokesman John White said that Ware’s stolen property was recovered.

White said the suspects, 40-year-old Billy McCaslin and 31-year-old Sergio Irreza, were identified through tips from the public after police announced the break-in that occurred while Ware was at Monday night’s game with the Houston Texans.

Ware said on Twitter he was grateful for hidden cameras at his house, and White said the photos helped identify the suspects.

Ware returned to practice for the first time since breaking his right forearm on Sept. 18. The Broncos hope he can can play Sunday against San Diego.

Etc.

The Seattle Seahawks released veteran running back C.J. Spiller and signed fullback Will Tukuafu. Spiller was signed on Sept. 28 but became expendable after the return of rookie C.J. Prosise. ... Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy spent practice working out on his own to test a left hamstring injury, leaving his playing status uncertain against New England on Sunday. ... Kansas City Chiefs cornerback D.J. White had surgery for a fracture in his hand and will miss Sunday’s game at Indiana-polis.