Dallas Cowboys will try to protect Tony Romo vs. Redskins Monday night

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was injured last week against the 49ers. The Redskins defense will bring pressure against the Dallas Cowboys offense in Monday night's game.

The Dallas Cowboys are expecting quarterback Tony Romo to be in the starting lineup Monday night when they open the home part of their 2011 schedule against the Washington Redskins.

The Cowboys are 1-1 on the young season, while the Redskins have gotten off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2007.

Last week, Romo was hurt in a game at San Francisco. Despite the injury, he came back into the game and helped lead the Cowboys to a game-winning field goal in overtime.

Romo may be missing one of his favorite targets in wide receiver Miles Austin, who was also injured against the 49ers.

On defense, the Redskins are improved, led by linebacker London Fletcher and cornerback DeAngelo Hall. They are expected to bring pressure in some form on every play against Romo and the Cowboys offensive line.

So far this season, the Redskins offense is riding the steady play of quarterback Rex Grossman, who's thrown for nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns in Washington's first two games. Running back Tim Hightower has provided a strong presence on the ground with 168 yards rushing.

Grossman will be facing a Dallas defense that is ranked fifth overall in the National Football League. The latest installment of the NFC East rivalry kicks off at 8 p.m. ET Monday on ESPN from Cowboys Stadium outside Dallas.