Mike McCarthy press conference: Trevon Diggs, Donovan Wilson have the opportunity to play on Sunday

Mid-week brings another opportunity for Mike McCarthy to answer questions from the Cowboys media. His team tries to get a second consecutive win this week for the first time this season. (All answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes)

Secondary players recovering from injury

McCarthy noted that the secondary players exceeded expectations on Wednesday in practice and that Thursday is a big day for them. He noted that Trevon Diggs, Donovan Wilson, and Chidobe Awuzie all looked good on Wednesday. He said they were giving them reps to get them ready and that they have the opportunity to play on Sunday.

Ezekiel Elliott injury

McCarthy noted that the Cowboys would probably hold Zeke off again on Thursday and work him off to the side. He said that Zeke is still having after effects from the win in Cincinnati.

Randy Gregory

Coach said that Gregory has continued to improve which is particularly impressive given the time off he had and that he didn’t have an opportunity to participate in training camp. He said that Randy is playing good football and that they are giving him more reps now, and complimented his motor and his ability to bend around the edge. He noted the struggles he has had to overcome and how he has been public about them. He also said Gregory is very consistent in his approach and is a very likeable guy.

San Francisco defense

McCarthy observed that the 49ers defensive front jumps out to you and that they will be a focus for the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. He talked about how you are dealing with a four-point charge and tilted stance in San Francisco and said that this is a bit unique and something you don’t see every week (he noted you do see it in Philadelphia, next week’s opponent). He said this will be an excellent challenge for the Cowboys.

L.P. Ladouceur

In case you were unaware, this week L.P. Ladouceur will play the most games by a Canadian-born player in NFL history. Mike McCarthy talked about how L.P. is such a professional and extremely consistent. He said the Cowboys are proud of him for what they’ve accomplished. Interestingly he said that he didn’t want to give anything away with what the team is going to do moving forward but called this week’s game an honor.

Leighton Vander Esch’s play after returning from injury

Coach said that being at the MIKE position, as far as angles to the ball carrier are concerned, that LVE is playing better downhill than when he first came back. He said that his communication with Jaylon Smith is better, and that his communication with the entire defense over the last month has been better. He thought that LVE is playing well.