L.m. Otero / AP

Tony Romo, a fourth-year pro who had never thrown a pass in a game until this season, will be the ninth different starting quarterback for the Cowboys (3-3) since Hall of Famer Troy Aikman retired after the 2001 season.

Parcells told Bledsoe about his demotion during a 30-minute meeting Wednesday morning.

“It’s not the way I would like to see it done, but Bill was honest with me and sat down and we had a conversation about it,” said Bledsoe, who has started 193 NFL games. “I’m preparing this week as if I could be back on the field right away. Whether I see the field again, I don’t know.”

Bledsoe has hinted that Dallas — and his reunion with Parcells that began last season — will be his last NFL stop. He showed no interest in New England or Buffalo of being a mentor or an insurance policy.

“I’m sure he doesn’t want to back up, but that doesn’t mean you’re jumping off the ship,” Parcells said.

Bledsoe insisted Wednesday that he didn’t consider walking away because of the demotion. He also said he would “do the right thing” for the rest of this season. He didn’t say if this would be his final season.

“I’m going to continue to be a leader on this team, continue to support the team, support Tony in his job,” Bledsoe said. “It’s just a very new, very different and very unfamiliar role for me.”

Special feature Colts perfect, but Vikings are better

Terry Glenn, the Cowboys’ leading receiver with 29 catches, said the team has confidence in Romo and likes his mobility. But it’s still a difficult move personally for Glenn, who spent the first six seasons of his career in New England with Bledsoe and has become a favorite target.

“Well, you know Bledsoe is my guy. I wish things weren’t going the way they are, but obviously the coaching staff sees something,” Glenn said. “I’m just out here playing. I want to win. Whoever’s out there, let’s make plays and let’s try to win.”

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures A kayaker flips out, a racehorse eyes the Triple Crown and more. more photos

Parcells took the unusual step in the preseason of allowing Romo to play an entire game. But Romo’s only action in 20 regular-season games before this year were as a holder on kicks, and one time when he took a knee on the final drive of a game to run out the clock.

That limited game experience doesn’t seem to bother Romo’s teammates, who like his swagger.

“The guys believe in him,” receiver Patrick Crayton said. “His mobility, man. He’s an improviser sometimes when he gets out there. You kind of expect the ball to come to you on every play.”

More news

NBC Sports

Is Cowboys' window closing?

  PFT Live: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Cowboys beat reporter Charean Williams breaks down owner Jerry Jones' comments on the window closing for his team.

Saints' defense learning Spagnuolo's way

METAIRIE, La. (AP) - The all-out blitzing the Saints unleashed during recent seasons appears to be a thing of the past under new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Headlines

• Label

How does Nicks' injury affect Giants' offense?

PFT: Jets QBs stress competition; Tebow struggles

Off the Bench: Jets players chant 'Lolo' to Tebow

PFT: Harrison glad Goodell is getting sued

PFT: HBO wants 'Hard Knocks' team locked in by 6/1

PFT: Willis says Moss has been 'unbelievable'

SportsTalk: Which teams are under pressure?

Does winning a postseason award matter?