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The Dallas Cowboys are back at work in preparation for their game this week against the Los Angeles Chargers and they have a few things to figure out. For starters, They are going to be down at least two starters out in L.A. as Michael Gallup is on injured reserve and La’el Collins is suspended. Earlier this week we learned that a third starter could miss the game as well when Randy Gregory was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy took to the podium on Wednesday for his standard press conference and provided some updates on a few notable things.
Right now there is little hope that Randy Gregory will play on Sunday
The Cowboys just dealt with having a starter on the Reserve/COVID-19 list in Zack Martin. While he was taken off of the list this week Randy Gregory was placed on it. McCarthy noted that the return period is typically 10 days for this which is why he is not all too hopeful that Gregory will play in Los Angeles.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is not especially hopeful that DE Randy Gregory will be available Sunday at Chargers. Gregory has COVID-19. McCarthy: “If you look at the history, it’s been 10 days for pretty much everyone that we’ve dealt with in the COVID protocol.” pic.twitter.com/VAdu2My7Hr
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 15, 2021
For what it’s worth Gregory did test positive, but he was reportedly asymptomatic. It was also reported that he is vaccinated and in order for him to return he must test negative twice at least 24 hours apart.
The groin thing is still an issue for Donovan Wilson
As the preseason was ending safety Donovan Wilson suffered a groin injury. He is missing Wednesday’s practice due to a groin issue.
Cowboys players who will not practice today: DE Randy Gregory (COVID-19 list), CB Nahshon Wright (personal matter), S Donovan Wilson (groin)
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 15, 2021
Hopefully Wilson heals up and this isn’t something that lingers throughout the season. Things like that can often be touch and go.
McCarthy declined to confirm whether or not Terence Steele will start at right tackle
Wednesday marked McCarthy’s first public speaking event of the week, but on Tuesday the world got to hear from team owner Jerry Jones. It was Jerry who said that Terence Steele would be starting at right tackle in lieu of La’el Collins.
Asked about this McCarthy declined to confirm whether or not Steele would in fact start on Sunday and said that the team is working through different combinations.
Jerry Jones said yesterday that the plan is for Terence Steele to start at right tackle on Sunday against the Chargers. Mike McCarthy would not commit to that plan today. He said Steele is one of the players they’re considering, but that decision hasn’t been finalized
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 15, 2021
Honestly it is kind of nice to see McCarthy take control of the situation. He is the team’s head coach and, regardless of how anyone feels about that being the case, he should be the one to make and announce these kind of decisions.
Dorance Armstrong will see work at defensive end in Randy Gregory’s absence
While it remains to be seen just who will start at right tackle, it seems that the Cowboys have a plan they are more comfortable talking about as it relates to Randy Gregory’s absence. Dorance Armstrong will take those reps.
Dorance Armstrong will take first-team reps at DE in Randy Gregory’s absence (Reserve/COVID).
— Brianna Dix (@DixBrianna) September 15, 2021
Armstrong came on really (sorry) strong during the preseason. If he is given an opportunity to start there is reason to believe that he will excel.
Dak Prescott’s bi-weekly MRIs aren’t a big deal
Prior to last week’s game, NBC’s Michele Tafoya said on the broadcast that Dak Prescott told her that he would be having MRIs every other week this season in response to the lat strain that he suffered during training camp.
This obviously got the attention of a lot of people, but Mike McCarthy doesn’t seem fazed by it.
#Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy wouldn't elaborate too much on this but pregame Thursday the announcers discussed QB Dak Prescott getting bi-weekly MRI's. McCarthy says that's just part of monitoring the injury but couldn't say when/if he had another once since Tampa
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 15, 2021
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