Mike McCarthy and seven other Cowboys test positive for COVID-19

A coronavirus outbreak appears to have struck yet another team. Per Adam Schefter, multiple members of the Dallas Cowboys, including head coach Mike McCarthy have tested positive for COVID-19. The news comes four days removed from their last game, a 36-33 home loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Thanksgiving.

Cowboys’ HC Mike McCarthy has tested positive for COVID, sources tell @diannaESPN and me. Adam Schefter

As one league source just said: “there are up to eight positives in Dallas. Details still rolling in.”
Adam Schefter

Those said to have contracted the virus along with coach McCarthy include Terence Steele, Joe Philbin, Jeff Blasko, Scott Tolzein, Harold Nash, Kendall Smith, and Cedric Smith. Among those named, only Cedric Smith is eligible for a potential return on Thursday for Dallas’ game against the Saints.

Regarding the team’s preparation for their upcoming game, this puts a wrench in their approach. They have yet to name an interim head coach for the occasion. In the meantime, here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for each Cowboys coach/player.

COVID-19 outbreak: Dallas Cowboys

In comparison to last season, this year has dealt a relatively large COVID-laced blow to the Cowboys. Several players had to be sidelined throughout the season due to the virus. Most recently, premier wideout Amari Cooper had missed two games due to his contraction of the disease. Along with him this year, Keanu Neal, the only other unvaccinated player on the team, Zack Martin, Randy Gregory, Greg Zuerlein, Brandon Knight, and Bradlee Anae, also missed some time.

Other teams compromised by the virus include the Tennesse Titans, Arizona Cardinals, and more. Mike McCarthy, meanwhile, becomes the third coach forced to miss a game due to COVID-19 protocols (Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Nagy).

As far as severe complications go, only one NFL player has reportedly taken a brutal hit from the virus. Overall though, it seems that we’re slowly transitioning to a point where the league is becoming less affected by the coronavirus. With any luck, we can hopefully put all of it behind us sooner rather than later.