On Thanksgiving Day, the Dallas Cowboys secured a decisive 45-10 victory over the Washington Commanders, pushing their record to 8-3 in the NFC East. Following the game, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy highlighted one of the key priorities achieved in the win—maintaining the team’s health.
“Overall, it was a healthy victory for us,” McCarthy stated. “It looks like we’ve come out of the game pretty healthy, which is probably the most important part of this … outside of the victory.”
Recognizing the significance of keeping the roster injury-free, McCarthy has strategically managed the team’s practice schedule in recent weeks. This approach reflects his commitment to prioritizing player health, understanding the potential impact of injuries on the overall season.
In the past weeks, the Cowboys have incorporated days of rest, light practices, and granted veterans like Tyron Smith permission to take days off. This careful handling of the practice routine has contributed to the team’s relatively positive injury status, with depth players stepping up when needed.
A notable example is cornerback Trevon Diggs, who suffered an ACL tear in Week 3 of the season. DaRon Bland stepped into Diggs’ position and has now set a record for the most pick-sixes in a season in NFL history, recording his fifth interception return for a touchdown against the Commanders.
Despite losing linebacker Leighton Vander Esch for the season due to a neck injury, McCarthy praised the outstanding play of the linebackers in the Washington game. The team is also exploring options, including free agent Shaq Leonard.
McCarthy emphasized the importance of the team’s training environment and risk assessment in injury prevention. Adapting the practice plan to prioritize player health has been a crucial aspect of the Cowboys’ strategy as they aim for true contention in the 2023 season.