Cowboys COVID-19 update: Coach Mike McCarthy is out against the Saints, eight positive cases confirmed

A COVID-19 outbreak in Dallas is scrambling the Cowboys organization. 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that coach Mike McCarthy tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning and is out for the Cowboys’ “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the Saints. He also confirmed that there are up to eight positive diagnoses in Dallas. 

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ESPN’s Todd Archer confirmed that eight coaches and players within the organization are entering into COVID-19 protocols including offensive line coach Joe Philbin and assistant line coach Jeff Blasko. Cedric Smith, the Cowboys’ assistant strength and conditioning coach, is the only person who can return to the franchise by Thursday.

Although McCarthy won’t be on the field to face the Saints, the Cowboys issued a statement that 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. The team is scheduled to conduct all meetings virtually today and will proceed with practice this afternoon. 

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During his appearance on 105.3 The Fan this morning, McCarthy commented on overcoming obstacles such as COVID-19. He admitted that he recently moved into a hotel in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.

“This is all part of it,” McCarthy said. “To get to where you want to go, you have to overcome these challenges each and every week.”

While the Cowboys suffered a 36-33 overtime loss to the Raiders on Thanksgiving, they will look to defeat the Saints from the Mercedez-Benz Superdome on Thursday night. With several players and staff missing from the field, the Cowboys will be challenged to earn a statement victory in New Orleans.