Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media for the first time since two rookies were ruled out for the season and after some time to evaluate the team’s second preseason game.
Mike McCarthy Discusses DeMarvion Overshown and John Stephens Jr.’s Injuries
McCarthy talked about the loss of DeMarvion Overshown and John Stephens Jr., saying he feels terrible for them since they have done so much in their short time in Dallas.
“We just gotta make sure we keep our arms around both young men and support them,” said McCarthy, adding that he hopes this can be an opportunity for both of them to gain and grow in other areas in the long run.
He said Overshown’s first impressions stood out in the meeting room and the walkthrough with his command, saying his ability was evident immediately.
Of course, he gave Overshown credit for excelling at every opportunity he has been given.
“Frankly, you can make the argument (he has been) the star of the rookie class,” said McCarthy.
Blessed and Highly Favored pic.twitter.com/7QJB3b3GIb
— DeMarvion Overshown (@AGENT0__) August 21, 2023
As for the depth in the linebacker room, he says Malik Jefferson will be “hard-pressed to make it back,” and they will see how the rest of the week goes. Keep in mind Jefferson is healing from a foot sprain.
As for looking outside the building for more depth in the linebacker room, he said they will continue to work the guys there already.
McCarthy called it a “great opportunity” for Jabril Cox, Devin Harper, and Tyrus Wheat to step in. He said it’s part of the nature of the league that when someone goes down, it’s an opportunity for other players.
Injuries Along the Offensive Line
McCarthy gave an update on Matt Waletzko’s shoulder injury, saying that they will see what he can do at practice on Tuesday, and he has a chance to play on Saturday against the Raiders.
But when asked about the depth on the interior of the offensive line, he said the younger players have had a “tremendous amount of reps.”
As for Josh Ball and what McCarthy’s impressions were of his play on Saturday, he said he saw improvement from the first preseason game to the second. He is excited to see him take another big step forward.
“One thing about Josh [Ball]: He’s available. He practices every day. He’s played a lot of football, and he’s got another big opportunity Saturday night against the Raiders,” said McCarthy.
Josh Ball does a great job setting a wide base and using his length to keep defenders at bay. He anchors down well and maintains leverage more times than not. His strength and ability to move piles make him a valuable interior OL reserve for the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/pBbYXQswuz
— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) August 20, 2023
McCarthy said his focal point is getting the team’s starting five together during a team period for the first time since last year, now that Zack Martin has returned.
Back at it. pic.twitter.com/QnahnQgZ8u
— Zack Martin (@thegob70) August 20, 2023
Update on the Backup Running Back Competition
Running back Rico Dowdle came up in the conversation, and McCarthy said he’d been impressed with him since his first year.
“I love his running style. He runs angry. He has pass protection with a lot of urgency. He sticks his nose in there,” said McCarthy, who added that Dowdle would learn from his mistake on Saturday with punt protection.
Overall, McCarthy says we are all seeing a product of Dowdle finally being healthy, calling him very instinctive, bright, and a “good young football player.”
A @DallasCowboys lead thanks to the combo of Cooper Rush and Rico Dowdle.
📺: #DALvsSEA on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/xABkalc6Cb— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2023
As for Ronald Jones, McCarthy said, “he is going to be challenged to be ready this week” and will start practice tomorrow with the rehab group with Britt Brown, the team’s associate athletic trainer/director of rehabilitation.
If the team plans to sit out Deuce Vaughn on Saturday’s game against the Raiders, he said that they will assess their game plan more as the week continues after their two padded practices.
Mazi Smith Playing Like a Rookie
McCarthy was asked about Mazi Smith and his play from Saturday’s game against the Seahawks. He said that Smith had plays he could learn from, and his overall camp has been solid.
“This week will be another opportunity for him, so he’s like all the rookies. He needs time on task, and I would definitely put him in that category,” said McCarthy.
Brandon Aubrey Having ‘Really Good’ Camp
When McCarthy was asked about kicker Brandon Aubrey not having an opportunity to kick on the road, he said he thought about it during a fourth-down call on Saturday’s game. Still, they were playing the game to “make those decisions for everyone involved.”
Overall, he says he feels “really good” about Aubrey’s camp so far, and he is not of “high concern” with Aubrey’s lack of kicking during the team’s only road game this preseason.
“He’s impressed with every opportunity he’s had,” said McCarthy.
Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey from 56 in pregame warmups pic.twitter.com/zIllnfZfmq
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 12, 2023