Mike McCarthy update: Non-committal on Terence Steele, not hopeful Randy Gregory will play Sunday

The Dallas Cowboys are back at work in preparation for their game this week against the Los Angeles Chargers and they have a few things to figure out. For starters, They are going to be down at least two starters out in L.A. as Michael Gallup is on injured reserve and La’el Collins is suspended. Earlier this week we learned that a third starter could miss the game as well when Randy Gregory was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy took to the podium on Wednesday for his standard press conference and provided some updates on a few notable things.

Right now there is little hope that Randy Gregory will play on Sunday

The Cowboys just dealt with having a starter on the Reserve/COVID-19 list in Zack Martin. While he was taken off of the list this week Randy Gregory was placed on it. McCarthy noted that the return period is typically 10 days for this which is why he is not all too hopeful that Gregory will play in Los Angeles.

For what it’s worth Gregory did test positive, but he was reportedly asymptomatic. It was also reported that he is vaccinated and in order for him to return he must test negative twice at least 24 hours apart.

The groin thing is still an issue for Donovan Wilson

As the preseason was ending safety Donovan Wilson suffered a groin injury. He is missing Wednesday’s practice due to a groin issue.

Hopefully Wilson heals up and this isn’t something that lingers throughout the season. Things like that can often be touch and go.

McCarthy declined to confirm whether or not Terence Steele will start at right tackle

Wednesday marked McCarthy’s first public speaking event of the week, but on Tuesday the world got to hear from team owner Jerry Jones. It was Jerry who said that Terence Steele would be starting at right tackle in lieu of La’el Collins.

Asked about this McCarthy declined to confirm whether or not Steele would in fact start on Sunday and said that the team is working through different combinations.

Honestly it is kind of nice to see McCarthy take control of the situation. He is the team’s head coach and, regardless of how anyone feels about that being the case, he should be the one to make and announce these kind of decisions.

Dorance Armstrong will see work at defensive end in Randy Gregory’s absence

While it remains to be seen just who will start at right tackle, it seems that the Cowboys have a plan they are more comfortable talking about as it relates to Randy Gregory’s absence. Dorance Armstrong will take those reps.

Armstrong came on really (sorry) strong during the preseason. If he is given an opportunity to start there is reason to believe that he will excel.

Dak Prescott’s bi-weekly MRIs aren’t a big deal

Prior to last week’s game, NBC’s Michele Tafoya said on the broadcast that Dak Prescott told her that he would be having MRIs every other week this season in response to the lat strain that he suffered during training camp.

This obviously got the attention of a lot of people, but Mike McCarthy doesn’t seem fazed by it.