NFL
Cowboys' WR Amari Cooper tests positive for covid-19
The Cowboys will have to do some offensive reshuffling after their wide receiver set to face covid-19 protocols.
The Cowboys high flying offense just had their wings slight clipped as they are set see their WR sideline due to a positive covid-19 test
Cowboys' Cooper tests positive for covid-19
The Dallas Cowboys are due to play three games in a 12-day stretch start this Sunday with a clash against the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, it seems they will have to play at least two of those games without wide receiver Amari Cooper who was placed on the reserve/covid-19 list on Friday.
According to ESPN Cooper, who is unvaccinated tested positive for covid-19 which means that according to league mandates he will now be subjected to a 10-day quarantine period. At this point his absence for the Thanksgiving game against the Last Vegas Raiders - his former team - is all but assured. In a best case scenario Cooper will be free of protocols and available to play against the New Orleans Saints on December 2nd. Sources have also confirmed that the Cowboys reported no other covid-19 issues regarding their roster ahead of their trip to Kansas City on Saturday.
Cooper's numbers and the Cowboys options at WR
On the season Cooper has caught 44 passes for a total of 583 yards and five touchdowns. All told, he ranks second on the Cowboys roster at the moment. While his absence will undoubtedly be missed, all is not lost for the Cowboys as they welcomed back wide receiver Michael Gallup during last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons. Gallup had previously missed seven games with a calf strain which he suffered in during the Cowboys' season opener. In light of Cooper's absence Gallup and CeeDee Lamb will step up as the Cowboys' top two receivers with Cedrick Wilson once again moving into the No. 3 slot, which he covered during Gallup's absence.
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There are also a few other issues for the Cowboys
It was just a little earlier this season when linebacker Keanu Neal, who is also unvaccinated, missed two games on the reserve/covid-19 list. How he gets back into the swing of things will be closely watched. There is also the situation of Kicker Greg Zuerlein who returns to the roster this week having been on the reserve list for the last week. Suffice to say in the wake of Cooper's absence, the Cowboys are going to have some house keeping to do.
Left tackle Tyron Smith could yet come back into the fold having been sidelined for two games with an ankle injury. The Cowboys are currently waiting to see how he responds in training on Saturday. They will also need to factor in the quick turn around as they head into the Raiders game just five days later. Last but not least there is Terence Steele will have to start at left tackle for the third straight game.
Speaking on the radio, owner Jerry Jones gave some insight into the reshuffling facing the Cowboys, saying that Connor McGovern will start at left guard in place of Connor Williams. On the other hand Coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't be drawn when he spoke with the media, preferring to leave the the scenario open.