A COVID-19 outbreak in Dallas is disrupting the Cowboys organization.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that coach Mike McCarthy tested positive for COVID-19 Monday morning and will be on the field for the Cowboys “Thursday Night Football” game against the Saints. He also confirmed that there are as many as eight positive diagnoses in Dallas.
Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy will be on the field for Thursday night’s game against the Saints due to COVID, according to sources.
– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 29, 2021
As one league source said, “There are eight positives in Dallas. Details are still ongoing. ”
– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 29, 2021
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ESPN’s Todd Archer confirmed that eight coaches and players in the organization are participating in COVID-19 protocol including offensive team coach Joe Philbin and assistant coach Jeff Blasko. Cedric Smith, the Cowboys assistant strength and conditioning coach, is the only one able to return to the franchise on Thursday.
Eight coaches/players in current COVID protocol: Terence Steele, Mike McCarthy, Joe Philbin, Jeff Blasko, Scott Tolzein, Harold Nash, Kendall Smith, Cedric Smith. Only Cedric Smith, assistant strength and conditioning coach, can return on Thursday.
– Todd Archer (@toddarcher) November 29, 2021
Although McCarthy will not be on the field to face the Saints, the Cowboys have released a statement that McCarthy will continue to direct and participate in all meetings and game preparations on a virtual basis for the remainder of the time. of the week, including Thursday. The team is expected to conduct all virtual meetings today and will conduct practice this afternoon.
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During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan this morning, McCarthy commented on overcoming obstacles like COVID-19. He admitted that he recently move into a hotel in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.
“This is part of it,” McCarthy said. “To get to where you want to be, you have to overcome these challenges every week.”
While the Cowboys succumbed to 36-33 overtime to the Raiders on Thanksgiving, they will be looking to beat the Saints from the Mercedez-Benz Superdome on Thursday night. With several players and staff missing on the field, the Cowboys will be challenged to claim victory in New Orleans.
