Romo battles through injury as Cowboys beat Raiders

DALLAS, Texas (Reuters) - Tony Romo showed his mettle by battling through a nagging back injury to guide the Dallas Cowboys to a 24-7 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Thursday.

Romo, who had been troubled with the injury since last Sunday's 7-6 victory over the Washington Redskins, threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns as the NFC East-leading Cowboys improved to 8-3.

"Coming out on a short week and getting yourself ready to go, we knew we'd have to play and it comes from all the preparation we put in," Romo told reporters. "We're excited about the win."

Dallas's offense produced more than 500 total yards against the overmatched Raiders (3-8).

Oakland quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, making his second start, finished with 200 yards on 18-for-35 passing. His four-yard scoring pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey in the third quarter was the sole touchdown for the Raiders.

The Cowboys were ahead 17-0 at halftime following a 46-yard touchdown run by Felix Jones and a nine-yard touchdown reception by Miles Austin, who hauled in seven catches for 145 yards.

Roy Williams caught a six-yard pass for the Cowboys with 13:12 left in the game to cap the scoring.

Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, who was doubtful before the game with a foot injury, had five catches for 107 yards.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)