Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes that he made the right decision to make quarterback Kyle Orton one of the highest-paid backups in the NFL.

Orton will step into the fold against the Philadelphia Eagles for the injured Tony Romo, after the starter was reportedly ruled out for the season with a back injury.

"We paid a lot of money several years ago for just this very circumstance," Jones told KRLD-FM. "Should we be in a situation where a game or a possible intermittent time when Tony couldn't play, we get the very best we can, and that's why we signed Kyle Orton for over $10m a few years ago, just for this very occasion.

"Kyle has a very strong arm, he's very experienced. If required, he'll be able to step in and do as good under the circumstances as you could expect."

Dallas can reach the playoffs with a win over the Eagles on Sunday.