Mike McCarthy speaks out after testing positive for COVID-19
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, meaning he will miss Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
McCarthy named defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as the acting head coach in his absence, meaning Quinn — who typically coaches from the box — will move down to the sidelines for Thursday night’s game. Quinn dealt with COVID-19 earlier this preseason.
McCarthy spoke out for the first time since his COVID-19 diagnosis on a conference call with reporters, and he seemed rather surprised by the positive test. He’s hardly symptomatic, so the Cowboys head coach didn’t expect to have COVID-19.
“I feel good. Just a little bit of a scratchy throat. I thought it was a little carryover from the game,” McCarthy said. “I guess it hasn’t hit me yet.”
The Cowboys on Monday released a statement, via Tom Pelissero, addressing McCarthy’s COVID-19 diagnosis. He has since been placed in the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols.
“Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has been entered into the NFL’s Covid protocols this morning,” the Cowboys said. “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-19.
“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.
Cowboys have up to eight positive COVID-10 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 and Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this report.