The Cowboys started the 2021 season with one of their All-Pro offensive linemen battling COVID. They’ll end the season the same way.
Tyron Smith, recently named to his eighth Pro Bowl, has been placed on the team’s Reserve/COVID list with a positive test for the virus.
Smith will not play in the Cowboys’ Week 18 regular-season finale in Philadelphia, joining cornerback Anthony Brown as the newest additions. Rookie linebacker Micah Parsons and several practice squad players are already in the protocol.
Over 30 Cowboys players have been on the watchlist this season. Zack Martin missed the season opener with COVID; CeeDee Lamb, Randy Gregory, Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Amari Cooper, Osa Odighizuwa, and Jourdan Lewis are just a few of the high-profile starters to miss time for Dallas thus far.
The virus has run through the coaching staff, too; defensive coordinator Dan Quinn missed a preseason game, and head coach Mike McCarthy was absent for Week 13 at New Orleans.
Micah Parson isn’t the only high-profile #Cowboys player to land on the COVID-19 list. Per me and @MikeGarafolo, LT Tyron Smith tested positive, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2022
Parsons tested positive for the virus Wednesday, the morning after he attended a Dallas Mavericks game. The rookie later made a public apology via social media, telling fans he feels he let them and the team down.
I saddened by the news I feel like I let my team down and Dallas cowboys nation! I’ll be back better than ever!! I’m only going to be more hungry! See you soon #lion🦁
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) January 5, 2022
McCarthy confirmed for media members that Parsons will not play Saturday night and will not travel to Philadelphia with the team.
For Brown, the timing of his COVID test- and subsequent quarantine- was particularly tough, as his wife also gave birth Thursday morning.
On the morning #Cowboys CB Anthony Brown tests positive for Covid I’m told his wife welcomed their 3rd child this morning. He got to see his child for the first time over FaceTime unfortunately. https://t.co/RSfDQTH3jP
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) January 6, 2022
In his conference call Thursday, McCarthy told reporters that he and the coaching staff are urging players to be smart with how they conduct themselves outside the team facility, given both the spike in COVID cases and the typical cold and flu season. The coach admitted that several players “are sick, but they have not tested positive” for the virus.
#Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy says hotel at The Star is available and some team members staying there to create a bubble with postseason approaching. McCarthy says the availability of hotel rooms was noted again this week in team meeting.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) January 6, 2022
Terence Steele is expected to take over for Smith, as he has done earlier in the season. Kelvin Joseph will likely step in for Brown. Neal, just off the COVID list this week, should be available to pick up some the slack with Parsons out.
Starters missing a season-ender that won’t change the final divisional standings is one thing, even though the Cowboys have stated they would like to beat the Eagles and finish undefeated in the NFC East.
Entering the postseason at full strength, though, is of utmost importance. McCarthy expressed confidence that Smith, Brown, Parsons, and the other Cowboys on the COVID list should be ready to go Wild Card Weekend.
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