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The Dallas Cowboys held their first padded practice of the season on Monday and it had a somber moment with reports of an apparent knee injury for defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
Due to the way that Covid-19 protocols are working this season no reporting from reporters on site is allowed until practice is over. We have collected the highlights of what seems to have been the day’s most important briefings.
Let’s begin.
Gerald McCoy was interacting with Antwaun Woods when it happened
Hoping for the best.
Was watching the defensive line drills when McCoy went down:
— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) August 17, 2020
-One-on-one reps where McCoy was role playing the blocker role for Antwaun Woods
-Woods came upwards and sent McCoy on his back leg
-McCoy rolled over and had to be helped off the field (and into locker room)
Sounds like it was just an accident during a drill. Youmans went on to say that there wasn’t even a lot of contact during the drill, just a freak incident.
Everson Griffen has arrived
In more hopeful news, the Cowboys officially have a new defensive lineman.
It appears new Cowbogs DL Everson Griffin has passed COVID-19 testing. Silver-toed blue cleats and all, he was in attendance today. Chatting with DeMarcus Lawrence among others.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 17, 2020
He is reportedly set to wear number 96, in case you missed it. Interestingly enough that was Jalen Jelks’ number and Jelks was released to make room for Griffen. Football can be a tough business.
Jaylon Smith and Anthony Brown looked good
This is definitely great to see. McCarthy hyped up Jaylon Smith during his Monday morning press conference so it appears as if that is happening on the regular.
Aside from #TweetGate, I have a few other notes from today's practice, and I'll thread them here.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 17, 2020
- no picks in team today, but the back 7 continues to get to the ball. Jaylon Smith had a nice breakup on a throw to Zeke in the end zone. AB broke up a would-be TD pass to Gallup.
Andy Dalton looks “really good”
Hey, it’s been a minute since we’ve talked about him.
Practice thoughts on Day 3:
— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) August 17, 2020
-Pollard and Zeke in space seems to be common place, looking fresh.
-C. Wilson had a solid practice and looked comfortable with QB timing
-Andy Dalton looked REALLY good
-Anthony Brown caught my eye on multiple occasions
-Rookie CBs have work to do
Also nice to see that Zeke and Tony Pollard are looking fresh.
Dontari Poe is still working resistance chords
Taking it easy at this point is the best idea.
Dontari Poe got light work in but also spent some time off to the side on the resistance cords
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) August 17, 2020
Shout out to DeMarcus Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford, though.
CeeDee Lamb demonstrated “quickness”
You love to see it.
- this isn't fair to the defense, since they aren't *REALLY* supposed to tackle. but my favorite play of the day was a 6-yard curl from Dak to CeeDee.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 17, 2020
Lamb slipped AB's tackle and turned upfield with a QUICKNESS, splitting the safeties. maybe not a TD, but a looooong gain.
Long gains should do just fine.
Greg Zuerlein got some action
We mentioned Andy Dalton a little while ago, and now another new face has appeared. Greg Zuerlein, ladies and gentlemen!
first time we've seen Greg Zuerlein kick during training camp. He went 5-of-5 during field goal period. I think his long was from 43-45 or so. Nothing super long range as of yet.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 17, 2020
100%. Is that good?