Romo expects Witten to play in Cowboys' opener Wednesday

Despite reports last week that Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was unlikely to play in Wednesday's regular-season opener against the New York Giants, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said Sunday he expects Witten to play.

Witten has missed most of the preseason with a lacerated spleen, but Romo told reporters, according to NFL.com, "It's exciting to know we're probably going to have him. That's important."

Romo then reiterated he believed Witten would play Wednesday based on what he had been told.

Witten will have a medical examination in Dallas on Tuesday before the Cowboys decide whether Witten will play Wednesday, according to the New York Post.

Witten returned to practice Saturday and practiced again Sunday. He has played in 139 consecutive regular-season games.