FRISCO, Texas – The hits just keep coming for the Dallas Cowboys. COVID-19 has ravaged the team and the situation worsened on Monday. The Cowboys announced on Monday morning that head coach Mike McCarthy tested positive and will not be wearing the headset in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints.
McCarthy has officially entered COVID protocols but despite his physical absence, he will still be actively a part of game preparations on a virtual basis. He will assume a director role this week as the team conducts all meetings virtually. Dallas’ practice at 12:15 p.m. will proceed as scheduled.
The Cowboys will also be without offensive line coach Joe Philbin, assistant offensive line coach Jeff Blasko and offensive assistant Scott Tolzien. All three strength coaches Harold Nash Jr., Cedric Smith and Kendall Smith are in COVID protocols, but one could return for Thursday’s meeting. As for the roster, right tackle Terence Steele has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and is out for Thursday’s game. La’el Collins will take his place in the lineup against the Saints.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper is back in the facility and is expected to return to practice on Monday after a 10-day absence and the previous two games missed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
The team has not disclosed who will replace McCarthy on Thursday. Dan Quinn has head coaching experience, spending part of six seasons with the Falcons in the role. Special teams coordinator John Fassel was the interim head coach for the Los Angeles Rams in 2016.
