Tag: Gerald McCoy

News: Cowboys camp updates even as sports boycotts threaten NFL

Training camp impressions and news on the annual team scrimmage even as boycotts in other leagues call the NFL’s response into question.

Wednesday began as an off day for the Cowboys and ended as one of the more remarkable days in sports history. Sparked by the Milwaukee Bucks’ boycott of their Game 5 tilt against the Orlando Magic, the NBA scrapped all of the evening’s playoff action. Some MLB teams, MLS, and the WNBA joined in solidarity, announcing stoppages of their own in response to police brutality, racial injustice, and the recent shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. And just like that, American sports deservedly took a backseat once again.

How Wednesday night’s stance by so many athletes might continue and how it may eventually affect the NFL – and specifically for those hitting up this site, the Cowboys – is anyone’s guess. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll alluded to possible boycotts by an NFL squad just two weeks out from opening night. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, already under fire for seeming to waffle on how he’ll treat player protests, will undoubtedly face questions about the chances of boycotted games the next time he’s in front of a microphone.

There are obviously much more important topics du jour than who’s done what at training camp and who’s poised for a big 2020 season on the football field. But there was that, too. Here are the News and Notes.

Pete Carroll on players possibly refusing to take the field over social justice issues: ‘Anything’s possible’ :: ProFootballTalk

Following a mock game before which several Seattle players sat during the national anthem, the Seahawks coach discussed the shooting of Jacob Blake and acknowledged that 2020 is “the season of protesting.” With the Detroit Lions shutting down their practice on Tuesday and other sports leagues experiencing boycotts of Wednesday contests, Carroll’s comments indicate that a similar response by an NFL squad- maybe even on an upcoming gameday- is a distinct possibility.

Three bold predictions for Cowboys in 2020: Dak Prescott takes home MVP honors, Dallas ends Super Bowl drought :: CBS Sports

Patrik Walker of CBS Sports lays out not one, not two, but three lofty predictions for the 2020 Dallas Cowboys.

Risers and fallers: CeeDee Lamb, Greg Zuerlein among Cowboys impressing in camp :: The Athletic

With fewer practice sessions this year, players have a limited window in which to shine for the coaching staff. Jon Machota names five players who have impressed during training camp, and five players who haven’t done as much to help themselves.

Cowboys annual Blue-White scrimmage set for Sunday in front of no fans at AT&T :: Cowboys Wire

The fan-favorite event will be played in the team’s empty home stadium. Offense will take on defense this Sunday, presumably to be streamed to fans as the only opportunity to watch the team in real time before the Week 1 season opener.

Fighting the Cowboys training camp hype is hard :: Blogging The Boys

CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, and several other young players are having good training camps so far, making it hard not to be overly excited about the 2020 edition of the Dallas Cowboys.

One-gap, two-gap, he’s back for more sacks: Cowboys’ Lawrence talks DL change :: Cowboys Wire

There’s been a ton of turnover along the defensive front in Dallas this offseason. But opposing offenses would be wise not to forget that DeMarcus Lawrence is still the unit’s centerpiece. “I’ll give you something very interesting to look at this whole season,” the two-time Pro Bowler says.

5 interesting developments from Cowboys training camp: Pair of D-linemen among top stories so far :: Dallas Morning News

John Owning discusses how Jaylon Smith is flourishing in coverage, how Trysten Hill is shedding the “bust” label, and how Aldon Smith doesn’t appear to have lost a step.

Xavier Woods not fazed by Earl Thomas talk :: The Mothership

Safety Xavier Woods is one of the multiple young defensive backs on this Cowboys team capable of having a breakout year. Woods wasn’t pleased to hear that the Cowboys might acquire Earl Thomas, but he’s using the whispers as motivation.

McCoy taught Gallimore to ‘Trust the process’ :: The Mothership

Gerald McCoy wasn’t around his new Cowboys teammates for very long before a quad injury ruined his season. But it was long enough to make a lasting impact on rookie and fellow defensive lineman Neville Gallimore.

Top 3 NFL wide receivers by route: Michael Thomas reigns :: NFL.com

Nick Shook issues rankings on who’s the best in the league at each of eight different receiver routes. Michael Gallup earns accolades for his “in route” work, while Amari Cooper is highlighted for the slant route.

Stephen A. implores Jerry Jones to pick a side on anthem kneeling :: ESPN

Love him or loathe him, Stephen A. Smith always comes with his two cents, and the volume is always turned up to ten. On Wednesday, he aimed his soapbox squarely at the most visible and outspoken owner in the NFL.

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News: Cowboys defense practicing takeaways, eyeing soft QB schedule

Also, a possible playoff bubble, replacing Gerald McCoy, the recent linebacker shuffle, and how the Dallas sidelines will look different.

While still getting over the awful double-shot of Gerald McCoy news from Monday and Tuesday, there was plenty for Cowboys fans to feel good about on Wednesday, including a key reinforcement being officially added to the defensive line that McCoy just vacated.

Elsewhere, a franchise legend is still basking in his limelight moment, and the Dallas defense could be primed for quite a moment of its own. The team received word that the sidelines will be a little less colorful this season, and there’s talk of playoff teams moving to a bubble after the season. All that plus news about play calling, quarterback mentoring, linebacker shifting, turnover practicing, and opposing-passer ranking. Here’s the midweek News and Notes.

The strength of schedule for each NFL team based on opposing quarterbacks tiers :: The Athletic

Here’s a list where fans want to see their team near the bottom. The Cowboys are slated to face just one “Tier 1” quarterback, Russell Wilson, in 2020. Lamar Jackson, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan, and Carson Wentz are considered “Tier 2” opponents. The majority of the Dallas schedule- 10 games- will be played against quarterbacks in the weakest two tiers.

Mailbag: Still top-five potential on defense? :: The Mothership

In the latest edition of Mailbag, Cowboys writers David Helman and Rob Phillips do their best to answer fan questions. In this edition, they take their turns predicting who will replace Gerald McCoy at 3-tech and look at whether the Cowboys have a chance to be a top-five defense without him.

Cowboys activate Dontari Poe same day they say goodbye to McCoy :: Cowboys Wire

As the Cowboys received terrible news about Gerald McCoy, fellow defensive tackle Dontari Poe officially made his return from injury. The two play different positions along the defensive line, but Poe’s presence will nevertheless ease some of the burden left by McCoy’s absence.

No Cowboys cheerleaders in 2020 (bad), sideline reporters (ok), or Rowdy (awesome) :: Cowboys Wire

The sidelines at AT&T Stadium will look very different this season, with several longtime staples suddenly MIA due to the COVID-19 crisis.  But there is a silver lining, as the eviction of one of the parties may portend a return to the Super Bowl if history repeats.

Dalton embracing mentor role in Cowboys QB room :: The Mothership

Snagging QB Andy Dalton was an excellent offseason move by Dallas. Easily now one of the best backups in the league, the veteran has experience and knowledge that he’s sharing with the Cowboys’ young quarterbacks.

Ezekiel Elliott on Cowboys in 2020: ‘We’re going to run the ball’ :: ESPN

There is a misconception surrounding Mike McCarthy that the former Green Bay head coach doesn’t like to run the ball. But McCarthy understands the back he has in Ezekiel Elliott, and the former two-time rushing champ expects the Cowboys to continue pounding the rock.

Why Drew Pearson belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame :: NFL.com

Drew Pearson isn’t in the Hall of Fame yet, and that’s a problem. The 1970s’ All-Decade wideout is overqualified for the achievement, with three first-team All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl win. Gil Brandt helps explain why Pearson should finally get the call in 2021.

McCarthy: Kellen Moore calling plays is ‘best decision’ for 2020 Cowboys :: Cowboys Wire

Mike McCarthy has turned over the big laminated menu to Kellen Moore. But he’s given up play-calling duties before… and then taken them back when things didn’t go so well.

Leighton Vander Esch believes the Cowboys defense practices getting turnovers more now :: Blogging the Boys

A longstanding deficiency of the Cowboys seems to be getting extra attention under Mike McCarthy and Mike Nolan. The third-year linebacker reports that there is now a portion of each practice session dedicated to “punching, raking, hammers, all the stuff. Tackling and punching at the same time.”

Bucky Brooks: What the LB position switch means :: The Mothership

The analyst breaks down the recent shuffling of Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith, and explains why each player’s individual game should improve… and predicts the new roles could allow the Cowboys defense as a whole to become a blitzing nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

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Former Oklahoma DT released by Dallas Cowboys after quad injury

Former Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy was waived by the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday after suffering a ruptured right quad

A dream short-lived.

Former Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy was waived by the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday after suffering a ruptured right quad while running a drill during the team’s first padded practice on Monday. Later that day, he was ruled out for the 2020 season.

His release was contingent on an injury waiver in his contract. The waiver knocked $2.5 million off McCoy’s salary in the event of a right quad tendon injury. McCoy inked the three-year deal in March, calling it, a “dream come true.”

“It just makes you sick on a personal level,” said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday. “I can’t tell you just what he has meant to our D-line in the short time we’ve all been together. He’s a big personality. Obviously an excellent football player. I thought he was in good spirits afterwards when I saw him and visited with him. He’ll tackle this injury recovery just like he has tackled everything else.”

Despite the release, McCoy remains committed to his role as a mentor for the Cowboys’ young defensive players, including fellow former Sooner DT Neville Gallimore.

“I will remain the mentor I am to the young guys and do my part to make sure that this team goes where it needs to,” McCoy said via text message to ESPN’s Ed Werder.  “Anybody who knows me knows I love a challenge. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!! I will be back better. LETS GET IT!!”

“He’s a warrior,” said Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones. “He’ll get back. And in my opinion, he’ll end up playing for the Dallas Cowboys, albeit not this year. But I see him putting on a (Dallas) uniform on in the future.”

The Cowboys have released the video of the injury, which can be viewed below:

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Cowboys waive DT Gerald McCoy, save $3.25M in cap space

The Dallas Cowboys coaching staff and players loved everything about Gerald McCoy. Everyone was disheartened when he was injured in what seemed to be an inocuous one-on-one drill against fellow defensive lineman Antwaun Woods. But there he was, with …

The Dallas Cowboys coaching staff and players loved everything about Gerald McCoy. Everyone was disheartened when he was injured in what seemed to be an inocuous one-on-one drill against fellow defensive lineman Antwaun Woods. But there he was, with a ruptured right quad and pending surgery, his 2020 season done before it started.

This morning, McCoy tweeted out an upbeat, pre-surgery video to assure Cowboys Nation he would be back. Head coach Mike McCarthy spoke glowingly about conversations the two had about how he could help youngsters Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore step up in 2020. Now it appears a possibility his career as a Dallas Cowboy may never happen because in a surprise move, he’s been waived from the team.

Here’s what this means. The Cowboys, knowing McCoy had a standing quad injury, protected themselves when they were negotiating and writing the three-year, $18.3 million contract. The deal had $3 million in signing bonus. The deal had a fully guaranteed $2.5 million base salary for 2020 and $1.5 million of his $5 million, 2021 salary was fully guaranteed as well. His remaining 2021 base salary, $3.5 million, was guaranteed for injury. He also had three consecutive, $750,000 game-day roster bonuses tied in.

If any other body part had been injured, McCoy would’ve seen at least $7 million in total payment, and possibly $10.5 million if the injury kept him from ever playing again. But the Cowboys had McCoy sign a waiver on his quad, and as such, they had the ability to release the player and nullify every other aspect of the contract other than the signing bonus.

The move saves the Cowboys $3.25 million in cash and cap space, but does put $2 million of dead money on next year’s cap.

That’s because of the $3 million signing bonus’ proration. McCoy’s cap hit was his base salary ($2.5 million), his roster bonuses (he played all 16 games in 2019, so all bonuses are likely-to-be-earned and count on the cap – $750,000) and one-third of his signing bonus ($3 million spread evenly across three years).

His base salary and roster bonuses are off the books, his signing bonus proration stays and the two remaining years of proration, $2 million, now sit as dead money on the 2021 books.

The club has let it be known they hope to resign McCoy next season when healthy, but that seems like kumbaya rhetoric considering how much unknown there is. The team in the same breath hope Neville Gallimore and Trysten Hill emerge enough in 2020 to replace the production they were hoping for from McCoy.

It has not been stated whether or not the Cowboys are considering hiring McCoy as a coach for the season, which would allow him to recoup some or all of the lost salary and still continue his role in the development of the young defensive tackles.

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Cowboys Gerald McCoy in good spirits heading into quadriceps surgery

Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was set to be the Cowboys starting 3-tech before suffering a ruptured quadriceps tendon on Monday. However, the big man is in good spirits heading into surgery and is encouraging his teammates to go after a championship.

The Dallas Cowboys 2020 training camp is underway and the optimism is running high after a productive offseason acquiring talent on the defensive side of the ball. Perhaps the biggest of these of additions was the signing of former All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who was set to be the team’s starter at the 3-tech. Unfortunately, the big man suffered a ruptured right quadriceps tendon on Monday and was lost for the season.

McCoy, faithful to his general disposition, in good spirits heading into surgery and encouraging his teammates to stay focused on the task at hand.

McCoy has recorded at least five sacks every season since 2011 and is also very stout versus the run so it’s a huge blow to the Cowboys defense. Fortunately, they have capable pieces to plug the hole of losing him. Tyrone Crawford will likely take over as the starter at the 3-tech which he’s had plenty of experience doing in the past. Rookie Neville Gallimore, who was primarily looked at as the backup to Dontari Poe at the 1-tech, can now use his flexibility and play the 3-tech with Crawford. Also, second-year project Trysten Hill, who only played 121 snaps in seven games last year, now has a golden opportunity to show that the second-round pick spent on him in 2019 wasn’t a waste.

The only thing left now is to see just how much these guys can make up for the loss of McCoy once the games really count in September.

Oklahoma Sooners sports

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Cowboys DT Gerald McCoy shares incredibly classy message after suffering season-ending injury

“In retrospect what I’m dealing with is minimal compared to that.”

The Dallas Cowboys signed veteran defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to a three-year deal over the offseason with hopes that he could make a big impact on defense and a team that has Super Bowl hopes in the 2020 season.

Unfortunately, McCoy’s season came to an end on Monday when he ruptured his right quadriceps tendon during individual drills at the Cowboys’ first padded training camp practice in Frisco, Texas.

Hours after the injury, McCoy sent a text to ESPN’s Ed Werder, saying he will continue to serve as a mentor to the younger players and that there a lot of people in our country dealing with much more difficult circumstances.

Here’s his classy message in full:

Just want the fans to know I truly appreciate the warm welcome and I’m sorry this happened. The Jones family opened their doors to an old vet to have an opportunity to come and help this team win and I was beyond excited to be a Cowboy. I was really looking forward to this amazing opportunity we have in front of us. I will remain the mentor I am to the young guys and do my part to make sure that this tea goes where it needs to. As far as my mindset people deal with real life problems every day especially now with the state our country. There is a lot of pain and heartache taking place right now that all our attention needs to go towards whether it is the pandemic or our fight for social justice. In retrospect what I’m dealing with is minimal compared to that. Therefore this is light work for me. Anybody who knows me knows I love a challenge. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!! I will be back better. LETS GET IT!!

Here’s Werder’s tweet:

The injury is a huge bummer for McCoy and for Cowboys fans who were hoping for big things from the veteran but the way he’s handling it is so darn impressive.

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Former Panthers DT Gerald McCoy ruptures right quad tendon, out for season

Former Panthers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy out for the 2020 season with a ruptured quad tendon.

The Panthers have had a couple of minor injuries to begin 2020. Wide receiver Keith Kirkwood will miss a couple of weeks with a shoulder issue, tight end Temarrick Hemingway is day to day with a head injury, and Russell Okung is getting work done on his back. That all seems relatively tame compared to the news in Dallas.

Former Carolina and current Cowboys defensive tackle Gerald McCoy ruptured his right quad tendon at practice today. He will need surgery to repair it, which will keep him out the rest of the year.

Just horrible.

McCoy’s prove-it, one-year deal with the Panthers paid off when he signed a three-year, $18 million contract with Dallas in March. He is still a very capable interior lineman when he’s healthy. The Cowboys still have Dontari Poe, who signed a two-year, $9 million deal with them.

Losing Poe and McCoy in free agency was bad enough. The Panthers also saw Vernon Butler sign with the Bills and Kyle Love was just picked up by the Buccaneers.

To help mitigate those losses, general manager Marty Hurney responded by using a top-10 pick on former Auburn DT Derrick Brown. He should start next to Kawann Short, who missed 14 games with a shoulder injury in 2019.

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Former Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy ruptures quad tendon, out for 2020

Former Oklahoma and current Dallas Cowboys DT Gerald McCoy has been ruled out for the 2020 season.

Former Oklahoma and current Dallas Cowboys DT Gerald McCoy has been ruled out for the 2020 season after suffering a ruptured right quad tendon during practice on Monday.

McCoy’s career has featured a number of injuries, including a knee injury in 2014 and a calf strain in 2018.

The six-time Pro-Bowler signed a three-year deal with Dallas in March. He totaled 37 tackles and five sacks with the Carolina Panthers last season.

McCoy spent the first nine seasons of his career in Tampa Bay. He was drafted there third overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

He racked up 83 tackles, 33 TFL and 14.5 sacks at OU from 2007-09.

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Former Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy ruptures quad tendon, out for 2020

Former Oklahoma and current Dallas Cowboys DT Gerald McCoy has been ruled out for the 2020 season.

Former Oklahoma and current Dallas Cowboys DT Gerald McCoy has been ruled out for the 2020 season after suffering a ruptured right quad tendon during practice on Monday.

McCoy’s career has featured a number of injuries, including a knee injury in 2014 and a calf strain in 2018.

The six-time Pro-Bowler signed a three-year deal with Dallas in March. He totaled 37 tackles and five sacks with the Carolina Panthers last season.

McCoy spent the first nine seasons of his career in Tampa Bay. He was drafted there third overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

He racked up 83 tackles, 33 TFL and 14.5 sacks at OU from 2007-09.

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Report: Cowboys’ Gerald McCoy feared to have torn right ACL

Dallas Cowboys veteran defensive lineman Gerald McCoy is feared to have torn his ACL.

The first day of padded practice for the Dallas Cowboys has seen a major injury.

New Cowboy defensive lineman Gerald McCoy, as respected a veteran leader as there is, has reportedly torn his ACL.

Some background on the injury per ESPN.com:

McCoy suffered an apparent injury to his right knee during the first padded practice of training camp on Monday.

McCoy was hurt during individual drills and was unable to put weight on his leg after he was examined by the team’s medical staff. Before ducking into the locker room, McCoy attempted to take some steps unassisted but could not.

The Cowboys signed McCoy to a three-year, $18 million deal in free agency as part of a rebuild of their defensive line that also included the additions of Aldon Smith, Dontari Poe and Everson Griffen, who has yet to practice but has cleared COVID-19 testing protocol.