Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is back with the team after undergoing an emergency appendectomy for the NFC East showdown against Philadelphia (8:20 p.m. ET).
The 60-year-old knew he would be a big part of the story despite the division lead being on the line Sunday night along with Dallas’ 14-game home winning streak, which is why McCarthy wanted to get back quickly.
“Anybody that knows me or has ever worked for me, I’m the last guy that wants to take any attention away from the players,” McCarthy said during his usual Friday conference call with reporters after missing the in-person sessions Wednesday and Thursday.
“This is a player’s game. I’ve built my program around that premise,” McCarthy said. “Everything that touches the locker room is the most important. So that’s why it is imperative for me to get back in here and get going and just make sure that the normalcy was totally back in place.”
McCarthy returned to the team’s facility Friday, two days after leaving to go to the hospital when he thought he was dealing with a stomach virus.
A scan revealed appendicitis, and the need for immediate surgery. McCarthy stayed in the hospital overnight Wednesday, then was part of virtual meetings with players and coaches Thursday.
“Shoutout to COVID,” defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence said Wednesday, drawing laughter with his reference to the pandemic getting players and coaches used to virtual meetings three years ago. “He knows we’re getting ready, and we will be ready.”
The defending NFC champion Eagles (10-2) have a one-game lead over the Cowboys (9-3) in the NFC East, and can take a big step toward back-to-back division titles with a victory.
Do Eagles or Cowboys win their Week 14 NFC East showdown?
A Dallas win would leave the teams all but tied in the race to be assured of starting the playoffs at home. The top seed in the NFC — and the first-round bye that goes with it — also would be in play, with San Francisco in the mix as well.
McCarthy is in…
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Publish date : 2023-12-09 00:49:42
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