Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy to return from COVID-19 absence Thursday

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy remarked last Friday he hoped to return to in-person work from his COVID-19 absence "sooner than later" after he watched the Week 13 win at the New Orleans Saints from inside a hotel room. 

According to Todd Archer of ESPN, McCarthy will rejoin the team Thursday as the first-place Cowboys (8-4) prepare to play at the 6-6 Washington Football Team Sunday afternoon. 

"The protocol experience has been an education to say the least, but I feel great. I'm ready to go," McCarthy explained while speaking with reporters. "Frankly, I think it's more of a technicality with the testing process that's keeping me out the full 10 days. So my arrival will be first thing in the morning. Actually, I think I might go at midnight, 12:01 tonight."

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn served as interim head coach for last Thursday's victory at New Orleans. McCarthy, meanwhile, has been staying at a hotel since Nov. 26 and will remain there a little longer after four family members tested positive for COVID-19. He added those individuals are feeling well. 

"I'm just thankful that it is behind me and, frankly, I can get back to my job full-time," McCarthy said. "It's a challenge, definitely, not being there every day, especially with what's right in front of us, the Washington challenge. I'll definitely look at it as a silver lining as obviously I don't have to deal with [testing] for the next 90 days."

Five other Dallas coaches also missed the New Orleans game because of health and safety protocols but have already returned to work at The Star.