FRISCO (Texas) -- Keanu Neal, Dallas Cowboys linebacker, will be available for Monday Night Football against Philadelphia Eagles. He is also likely to miss the Oct.3 game against the Carolina Panthers.
Neal was put on the reserve/COVID-19 roster at the beginning of the week to act as a close contact. This prompted a five-day quarantine, which is only mandatory for unvaccinated athletes. Coach Mike McCarthy stated that Neal had been positive for the vaccine, prompting a 10-day isolation period.
If Neal's status is changed Thursday, he may be eligible to play against Panthers if he is not symptom-free. He will be two weeks without practice by then. All the Cowboys' players on the COVID-19 reserve list have been vaccinated. None returned earlier than 10 days.
McCarthy stated that McCarthy would not be available Monday but that they will see what happens. "We haven't yet ruled him out for Carolina."
Neal's absence in the Eagles game will likely result in more playing time for Leighton Van Esch. With 101 snaps, Neal is leading all linebackers. He also has eight tackles and one tackle for loss. Vander Esch played 51 snaps in both the first and second games. He has 11 tackles, one sack, and a tackle to the quarterback. Last week, he also received three penalties against Los Angeles Chargers.
McCarthy said Vander Esch is "a versatile player." "He's a great communicator so I believe he's a good matchup."
Bradlee Anae, defensive end, also passed the test and is now on the reserve/COVID-19 roster. Three Cowboys defensive linemen will not be available Monday: Anae (ankle), Dorance Armstrong (ankle), and Carlos Watkins(knee). This could mean that the practice squad may need to call Anae up or Chauncey Golston (third-round draft pick) who missed training camp due to a hamstring strain.
McCarthy stated that he liked the combination of last week’s work and this week’s work for Chauncey. McCarthy said that he had a great day in pads. We'll see how work ends [Sunday].
