12:14 PM
The Dallas Cowboys' preparation for Thursday's game against the New Orleans Saints has been affected by a COVID-19 outbreak that will knock out starting right tackle Terence Steele, three offensive coaches and two of their three strength coaches.
The offensive line coach, who has been in the COVID-19 protocol since Thanksgiving, and the assistant offensive line coach, who handled the main duties in Thursday's overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, will miss the game. Harold Nash was placed in the COVID-19 protocol with two of his assistants. Smith could return in time for the game.
"I think the biggest thing is to make sure that the job description and responsibility is always tight," McCarthy said. We feel good about our game-plan process. We'll spend a little more time together as a group. This is an opportunity for young coaches to take advantage of. I will be where I need to be this week. We have some moving parts.
The Cowboys are doing daily testing for players, coaches and staff. The Cowboys were in that mode before Thanksgiving as the league imposed stricter protocols. McCarthy kept open the possibility of a normal practice two days before the game, but they will have virtual meetings on Sunday and Monday.
McCarthy said that they are paying close attention to it.
Cooper missed the past two games while on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but is expected to return to the building Monday. The wide receiver is expected to practice Sunday and be ready to play against the Saints after missing the Raiders game with a concussion.
"I talked to the athletic trainer this morning about the conditioning and he just felt it was going to be something that we're going to have to get a hold of tomorrow for any player coming off of a 10-day stretch." We'll know more tomorrow with a chance to work.
The Cowboys have lost three of their last four games. The plan was for a light practice on Sunday. After testing, players got breakfast to go and grabbed their iPad for meetings. The players will arrive at The Star for on-field work that will last about 75 minutes and then have virtual meetings after practice.
McCarthy said that the Cowboys could use a meeting plan that they used last year.
He said that it was just a matter of which plan they would be in.
