Dallas Cowboys release statement on Mike McCarthy after positive Covid test

The Dallas Cowboys have a serious issue. It was announced on Monday morning that Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has tested positive for COVID-19 and that he will miss Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Cowboys assistant head coach Rob Davis could see a bigger role on Thursday, although it could be a joint effort from the rest of the coaching staff.

“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.”

Per The Athletic’s Jon Machota, 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,” 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 was also recently added 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, and tight end Blake Jarwin, who was already on injured reserve, was on the Reserve/COVID list as well.

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

For now, the Cowboys’ focus turns to replacing McCarthy on Thursday in New Orleans.