Cowboys Linebacker, was placed on the COVID-19 reserve/COVID-19 List earlier this week as a high risk close contact. Although he hadn’t received a positive vaccine test, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list because he wasn’t fully vaccinated.
The Cowboys received bad news about their star defender on Saturday, two days before their Monday Night matchup against Eagles.
According to Michael Gehlken, Dallas Morning News, Neal has been confirmed positive for COVID-19. He will not be able to attend his team’s Week 3-matchup.
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
Gehlken reports that Neal is the 11th Dallas-based player to be added to the reserve/COVID-19 roster since Aug. 21. Zack Martin, star right guard, was released from the list last Wednesday. Randy Gregory, defensive end is expected to return to the roster on Monday.
Micah Parson, a rookie linebacker, was called upon to fill in for Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence (IR; broken foot), who were both absent last week. The first round pick is and he seems to be enjoying his new role of a skilled edge rusher.
Parsons will have to keep up his outstanding play Monday night, now that Neal has been ruled out.
Neal will be replaced by veteran LB Leighton VanderEsch.