Mike McCarthy names Cowboys decision-maker during his absence with covid

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. That means he will miss Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Not to leave his team without leadership, McCarthy named defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as his point person and decision-maker in his absence.

Though normally coaching from the boot, Quinn will move down to the sideline on Thursday. The former Atlanta head coach dealt with COVID-19 himself in the preseason. The Cowboys are gearing up to take on the 5-6 Saints on the road.

“Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has been entered into the NFL’s Covid protocols this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement via Pelissero. “Although he will not be on the field for the Saints game, McCarthy will continue to direct, and be involved in, all meetings and game preparations on a virtual basis for the remainder of the week, including Thursday’s meetings in New Orleans.

“The team will conduct all of its meetings today virtually and proceed with its regularly scheduled practice session at 12:15 p.m.”

McCarthy feels like the Cowboys have done a good job regarding preventing COVID.

“Mike McCarthy this morning on (105.3 FM The Fan) said that he thinks the Cowboys have done an excellent job of taking the extra steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, mentioning that he recently moved into a hotel, likely the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star,” the Athletic’s Jon Machota tweeted.

The Cowboys have up to eight positive COVID tests including McCarthy

At the time of McCarthy’s positive COVID test on Monday morning, the Cowboys have at least eight current positives. That list includes offensive line coach Joe Philbin, assistant offensive line coach Jeff Blasko and offensive coaching assistant Scott Tolzien. Offensive lineman Terance Steele also recently moved to the Reserve/COVID list.

In the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving day loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, multiple players were out due to COVID issues. Wide receivers Amari Cooper, TJ Vasher and Robert Foster were out on Thursday. Also, tight end Blake Jarwin was on the Reserve/COVID list.

The Cowboys are currently 7-4 on the season. Dallas’ lead at the top of the NFC East is dwindling. The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Football Team have played better than the Boys over the last month. The Cowboys’ upcoming schedule includes four NFC East matchups over the final six games of the regular season.

On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report.