FRISCO, Texas — The global pandemic is still prevalent, despite a surge towards normalcy. The Cowboys’ shuffle is proof as the hits continue.
Both defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins left AT&T Stadium early, prior to the club’s preseason exhibition game against instate rival, Houston Texans on Saturday. The pair entered protocols 90 minutes before kickoff and departed “out of an abundance of caution,” per the team. Secondary/defensive passing game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. took over the play-calling duties from the booth in Quinn’s absence and did not disappoint. Under his direction in Arlington, the defensive unit held the Texans to 0-10 on third down conversions.
Quinn and Watkins were further evaluated in Frisco, but McCarthy declined to answer a specific timeline on a return, stating “I do not know when they will be released.” As a precaution to “contain the outbreak”, the staff opted to conduct virtual meetings Sunday and Monday. Three additional players were added to the COVID protocol, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and safeties Malik Hooker and Israel Mukuamu.
A person must provide two negative tests separated by 24 hours in order to return, once the player or coach shows no symptoms. If an individual is not vaccinated, he is away from the facility for at least 10 days.
The Cowboys’ coaching staff is 100% vaccinated and the player roster is 93% vaccinated as of Saturday. The health of the players and coaching staff is of the utmost importance, but it is a noteworthy fact that with these four players currently on the COVID-19 protocol list, Dallas only needs to move on from a single player in order to get down to the mandated 80-player cutdown by Tuesday.
