Mike McCarthy press conference: Tyron Smith out for season, will have “correctable” surgery on neck

Coach Mike McCarthy held his final press conference of the week as the Cowboys prepare to play the New York Giants. Let’s check in on what coach had to say. (All answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes).

Tyron Smith out for season

Mike McCarthy confirmed that Tyron Smith will have surgery next week and that his season is over. Coach described it as correctable surgery and that it is something that Smith has needed to fix a problem he has been dealing with for a while.

O-line identity

Coach said he feels strongly about their depth and that their identify is to be a disciplined team that plays with grit. He said they have been working this week on cleaning things up and focus on winning games.

Game captains

McCarthy operates differently than some coaches when it comes to team captains and has the team choose three captains for every week. He noted that he likes to give opportunities for leadership throughout the week to different players but that leadership as a whole happens naturally within the locker room and what not.

Thoughts on offensive line

Zack Martin played right tackle in Seattle and McCarthy noted that the Cowboys are working through multiple combinations to be prepared for the rest of the year. He noted that Brandon Knight, who played left tackle in the two games Tyron missed, has been working in that spot so far this week. When pressed about playing Zack Martin or Connor Williams out at tackle, coach wouldn’t commit to anything but noted that continuity among the five is a big deal and something they will work toward.

Zack Martin as swing tackle

Zack has said he has trained as the swing tackle and McCarthy confirmed that it is part of his responsibility.

Cam Erving is getting close

McCarthy did note that Cam Erving is getting close to a return. He said he had a good practice yesterday and wants to see how he is in tomorrow’s practice.

Terence Steele this week

Coach thought that Steele had a better week of practice this week than he did last week. He said he really likes his attitude and that he is the same guy everyday and is a consistent, hard worker.

Status of Connor McGovern

McCarthy said that Connor McGovern is improving and that he likes what he’s seen from him. He said he is getting a real feel for the protections and blocking schemes and that he could be ready to go if needed.

Leighton Vander Esch

LVE is starting to mix back into things and McCarthy said he liked the way that Leighton practiced on Thursday. Coach did say that they will likely crank things up more for him next week and indicated that they are looking at next Monday night’s game as a possible return date.

Tyrone Crawford and Dorance Armstrong

McCarthy thinks that as long as both practice tomorrow without any issue they should be ready to go for the game.