Dallas Cowboys player, 4 coaches sidelined for New Orleans Saints game with COVID-19

The Dallas Cowboys are in full retreat mode due to three losses in their past four games and a COVID-19 outbreak at the team’s headquarters at the Star in Frisco.

Right tackle Terrence Steele, offensive line coach Joe Philbin, assistant offensive line coach Jeff Blasko, offensive coaching assistant Scott Tolzien, and strength and conditioning coach Harold Nash have all tested positive for COVID-19, putting the team in intensified COVID protocols with daily testing.

All will miss Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

La’el Collins will start for Steele at right tackle against the Saints. Tight ends coach Lunda Wells, quality control coach Chase Haslet and coaching consultant Ben McAdoo will work with the offensive line in place of Philbin and Blasko.

The team will have a short practice and conduct meetings virtually Sunday and Monday, per coach Mike McCarthy, as they prepare for the Saints game.

“This is a change. The decision was made last night,” McCarthy said. “This is the best plan for us to move forward. We will be in a virtual format today and be a virtual format tomorrow. We will work on the field from 4:15 to about 5:30.”

Nothing has been decided regarding Tuesday’s practice.

The good news is that receiver CeeDee Lamb returned to practice Sunday after missing last Thursday’s 36-33 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders with a concussion.

Receiver Amari Cooper, who missed the last two games with COVID-19, expected to return Monday. McCarthy admitted being concerned about Cooper’s conditioning after being out for 10 days.