Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has COVID-19

FILE – In this Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 file photo ,New Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is introduced during a press conference at the Dallas Cowboys…

FILE – In this Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 file photo ,New Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is introduced during a press conference at the Dallas Cowboys headquarters in Frisco, Texas. Mike McCarthy has spent most of his first offseason as coach of the Dallas Cowboys at home in Green Bay. He’s also leaning on the experience of 13 years leading the Packers to help figure out how to implement a new program while the coronavirus pandemic prevents him from being in the same room with players or assistant coaches. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade, File)

by: Russell Falcon, Andrew Schnitker

Posted: Nov 29, 2021 / 10:20 AM CST

Updated: Nov 29, 2021 / 12:18 PM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, will miss Thursday’s game after entering the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, the Cowboys announced Monday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini reported McCarthy has tested positive for COVID-19. McCarthy is expected to participate in game planning for the Saints, but won’t attend practice.

The Cowboys will be without several coaches Thursday. Offensive line coach Joe Philbin and assistant offensive line coach Joe Blaska also entered the COVID-19 protocol. Offensive tackle Terence Steele was also placed on the COVID-19 list.

The Cowboys haven’t announced an acting head coach yet. Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has recent experience with the Atlanta Falcons. Maybe the Cowboys give offensive coordinator Kellen Moore his first NFL head coaching experience.

Strength coaches Harold Nash Jr., Cedric Smith and Kendall Smith are in protocol, the Cowboys said. However, one of those coaches could possibly return, the team said on its website.

Dallas will try to snap a two-game losing streak, playing the Saints in New Orleans Thursday night.