Cowboys' Keanu Neal tests positive for COVID

Keanu Neal has tested positive for COVID-19. Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys LB Keanu Neal tests positive for COVID-19, won't play vs. Eagles

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/25/21

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal has tested positive for COVID-19 and won't play Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

Cowboys LB Keanu Neal won’t be available on Monday vs. Eagles, Mike McCarthy said. He has tested positive after entering protocol as a close contact.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 25, 2021

Neal was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday as a high-risk close contact. He is unvaccinated and will be required to isolate for at least 10 days per NFL protocols.

The 26-year-old has played more than 70% of the defensive snaps this season, including 51 in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He has nine tackles and one tackle for a loss in two games.

Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch could fill in for Neal alongside rookie Micah Parsons.

The Cowboys and Eagles are both 1-1 this season, and Monday's matchup will be a significant one in the NFC East. Whoever wins could sit atop the division entering Week 4.

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90.

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