NFL REPORT: Flu symptoms sideline Romo

Tony Romo missed practice Wednesday, keeping the Cowboys quarterback out of what’s usually the biggest day of practice in what’s certainly the biggest week of the season.

Coming off a Saturday night game, the Cowboys put in their game plan a day early, “so he missed a day where we were repeating some things,” coach Wade Phillips said. In fact, the team didn’t even practice in full pads.

Receiver Terrell Owens said he expects Romo to play Sunday in Philadelphia, a game the Cowboys (9-6) must win to get an NFC wild-card berth into the playoffs.

“I mean, he’s not on his dying bed, is he?” Owens said.

Around the league

> RAMS: Team president John Shaw resigned after 29 years with the franchise, and Billy Devaney was promoted to general manager Wednesday. The two moves in a front office overhaul by a franchise that’s been among the NFL’s worst the last few seasons followed the resignation Monday of Jay Zygmunt as president of football operations.

> PATRIOTS: Receiver Wes Welker has been fined $10,000 for making a “snow angel” after scoring a touchdown that gave New England a 28-0 lead in its 47-7 win over Arizona. The penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, specifically for illegally demonstrating by going to the ground after his touchdown.

> PANTHERS: The team was without both starting defensive tackles at practice, ahead of the regular-season finale against New Orleans. Maake Kemoeatu, who missed Sunday’s loss to the Giants with a sprained ankle, rode a stationary bike during the workout. Damione Lewis, who has an injured shoulder, also sat out. Starting receiver Muhsin Muhammad (foot) and tight end Jeff King (knee) also missed practice Wednesday.

> COLTS: Coach Tony Dungy has ruled three players out of Sunday’s finale, a list that could grow by week’s end. Dungy said middle linebacker Gary Brackett, outside linebacker Freddy Keiaho and running back Dominic Rhodes will not play against Tennessee.

> BROWNS: Return specialist and part-time quarterback Joshua Cribbs injured his right ankle while running a route during practice. He left the session, but a team official said he later returned. The Browns are expected to use Cribbs in a more prominent role in their offense this Sunday vs. Pittsburgh because they are down to starting fourth-string quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

> BILLS: Starting running back Marshawn Lynch and two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters both missed practice because of injuries, but coach Dick Jauron is optimistic they’ll both play in the finale against New England. Sunday’s game has significant playoff implications for the Patriots (10-5), who must win to stay in the postseason hunt. The Bills (7-8) will be looking to finish .500 for the first time since going 9-7 in 2004.