Mike McCarthy press conference: ‘Arrows pointing up’ for Leighton Vander Esch who could play Monday

Today marks the final press conference of the week for Mike McCarthy. Let’s check in on what he said to the media about the Cowboys game against the Cardinals on Monday night. (All answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes).

Leighton Vander Esch status

McCarthy said that all arrows are pointing up as far as LVE playing on Monday. He said Vander Esch went through the practice yesterday and will participate today so he is very encouraged about him playing.

Pass rush against Kyler Murray

McCarthy said you have a rush plan but Kyler Murray is unique, and he said Murray goes through the A and B gaps most when he runs. He also said he is extremely quick, and that he leads the league in rushing yards for QBs.

Chidobe Awuzie and Sean Lee status

Coach said both are making progress and that they will meet on that Monday to discuss where they are at in terms of next week for both players. He did say that it’s a short week next week and that is challenging for a player to come off injury during a short week and and play.

Justin Hamilton call up?

Coach wouldn't commit to calling up Hamilton for a defensive tackle role on Monday, but did make a point that he likes to use internal players to fill positions instead of going outside the organization. He did compliment Hamilton in terms of making progress.

Neville Gallimore

McCarthy said that Gallimore is coming on and will be used in the rotation. He noted that it was some special teams situations that had Gallimore inactive in some of the previous weeks.

Tyler Biadasz

Coach thought that Biadasz had a good week of preparation. He said things are different when you are in the lead chair in meetings and making the calls but that Biadasz had a good week with that.

Timing of quarterback cadence is important

The entire process of the quarterback position is different for the Dallas Cowboys with Dak Prescott out. Mike McCarthy noted that one of the biggest challenges has been for fellow rookie Ben DiNucci as, with Ben as the primary backup now, his challenge is to mirror the cadence of Andy Dalton as Dalton did with Dak.