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The Dallas Cowboys’ worst fears about Tony Romo's injury have been realized. The quarterback has been diagnosed with a fractured left clavicle (collarbone) after getting hurt in Monday’s game against the visiting New York Giants.

Romo's injury could end his season. Recovery time is generally eight to 10 weeks. With the Cowboys likely missing the playoffs, there may not be any reason to rush him back.

He was hurt in the second quarter when he was thrown to the ground by Giants linebacker Michael Boley after rookie fullback Chris Gronkowski missed a block. ''The guard didn't see me,'' Boley said. ''I came in scot-free. ... I didn't think he was going to lay down. I thought it was a normal hit. After I got up and started running, I looked back and saw he was down.''

Romo was replaced by veteran Jon Kitna.

''I'm staying optimistic,'' Romo said. ''This football team has a lot of high-character guys, a lot of competitive individuals who aren't going to give in to a tough situation.''

Kitna, 38, has not started a game since he played for the Detroit Lions in 2008. Kitna didn't take a snap last season, the only backup quarterback in the NFL not to play. He hadn't done so through five games this season, either.

''There are a lot of teams in this league that have had to step in and do a different direction at quarterback,'' Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. ''We've got to be able to play without Romo.''

Romo had been 5-for-7 for 39 yards with a touchdown pass before the injury.

Romo returned to the bench at the start of the second half, his left arm in a sling and covered by a jacket. He also wore a headset to stay in tune with the game. When Dallas' first series fizzled, he discussed what went wrong with Kitna and looked over pictures of the plays with third-stringer Stephen McGee. He then stood alone and watched the offense go back for its second try.

Romo took every snap last season — making Kitna the NFL's only No. 2 quarterback not to play — and had done so through five games this season.