We missed football. Unfortunately, paired with the start of training camp practices come injury news. We didn’t miss those. The most recent one comes in the shape of Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy, a projected starter for the 2020 Dallas Cowboys. McCoy, who was signed as a free agent in March, suffered a leg injury on Monday’s practice.
#Cowboys veteran DT Gerald McCoy went down in practice with an apparent leg injury, I’m told. The severity is unclear, but something to watch for moving forward.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2020
Although the severity of the injury is still unknown, Michael Gehlken reported McCoy fell to the ground while on an individual drill and that he was unable to put weight on his leg while walking off the field.
While we wait for an update on Gerald’s health, questions naturally emerge for the defensive tackle position. With Dontari Poe expected to be a starter on the defensive line, Antwaun Woods, Tyrone Crawford, Trysten Hill, and rookie Neville Gallimore might get the chance to compete for some extra snaps with the team’s starters.
Hopefully, Gerald McCoy can get back to the field soon as the regular season closes in on us. Here at Inside The Star, we’ll keep you updated with news about his health.
Was watching the defensive line drills when McCoy went down:
-One-on-one reps where McCoy was role playing the blocker role for Antwaun Woods
-Woods came upwards and sent McCoy on his back leg
-McCoy rolled over and had to be helped off the field (and into locker room)— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) August 17, 2020
But not everything is bad news for the Cowboys defensive line. Defensive End Everson Griffen, a surprise signing last week, was incorporated to the team on Monday after passing COVID-19 testing, per Jori Epstein.
It appears new Cowbogs DL Everson Griffin has passed COVID-19 testing. Silver-toed blue cleats and all, he was in attendance today. Chatting with DeMarcus Lawrence among others.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 17, 2020
Griffen is expected to win the competition for the starting position while Aldon Smith is turning heads during the first training camp practices. Since 2015, the former Minnesota Viking ranks eighth in the NFL in QB hits with 114 in 72 games.
Update as of Monday 11:30 a.m: Since the original publication of this post, Ian Rapoport and Jane Slater have reported that McCoy is feared to have suffered a torn ACL. It won’t be confirmed until he undergoes an MRI.
Update as of Monday 12:35 p.m: Stephen Jones confirmed Gerald McCoy is out for the season with a ruptured right quad tendon.