Increase in WFT COVID-19 cases is worrisome for Cowboys
In the last week, the NFL has seen a massive increase in COVID-19 cases across multiple teams. A shocking 37 players tested positive on Monday alone.
Seven NFL teams are now under increased protocols: the Browns, Bears, Falcons, Lions, Rams, and Vikings … and the Washington Football Team, who happens to be the Dallas Cowboys‘ last opponent and the team they will be facing again in just two weeks.
Washington now has seventeen players on their COVID-19 list. Even though only 12 of those names are active players, that number means about 30% of their team roster has tested positive.
Defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and backup quarterback Kyle Allen were both added to the list on Wednesday. Remember that Allen played multiple snaps in place of a struggling Taylor Heinicke in the Week 14 matchup against the Cowboys. They join key Washington players like Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Cam Sims.
The list of Washington's 17 players on the covid list: pic.twitter.com/lOAQbQreOr
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 15, 2021
Washington Football Team rising COVID-19 cases a concern for league and Cowboys
Since the Cowboys don’t play Washington for another two weeks, they will likely see most of these players again in their next matchup. However, they did just play 60 minutes of football against a lot of these guys who have now tested positive.
Thankfully, there were no new additions to the COVID-19 list for the Cowboys Wednesday. But it seems as though the organization is trying to do its best to avoid putting players and staff at risk.
Cowboys have no additions today to Reserve/COVID-19 list. Head athletic trainer Jim Maurer gave team an update at start of morning meeting. Club making most of space that Ford Center at The Star allows to mitigate risk. WR Cedrick Wilson the Cowboys' only positive test this week.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 15, 2021
On Wednesday, the head athletic trainer, Jim Maurer, addressed the entire team in a morning meeting. He discussed things such a booster shot options with the players and staff. The team is also doing its best to make use of the multiple facilities they have to space personnel out as much as possible.
While talking to the press, head coach Mike McCarthy also said that some players have discussed using a local hotel as a “bubble” of sorts. This would be a similar situation to what the Cowboys did during training camp. This idea was not a team-wide discussion.
For now, all we can hope is that the Washington players are okay and that the Cowboys will continue to have more negative tests. There are tons of swirling rumors around the league regarding changing the COVID-19 policies altogether in light of the recent surge in cases, but all Dallas can do now is hope.
