Yesterday the Cowboys placed Linebacker Keanu Neal and Defensive Tackle Quinton Bohanna on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Both will miss Sunday's Week 17 showdown between Dallas and the Arizona Cardinals.
The veteran Neal has filled a significant role this season. He's been an occasional starter and played on over two-thirds of the defensive snaps over the last six games.
His absence comes at a difficult time with Francis Bernard already on the COVID list, leaving just Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, and Luke Gifford currently on the official roster. Dallas may have to look to their practice squad or do some creative schemes with their safeties to get through the Arizona game,
As for the defensive tackle, Bohanna has been less utilized in his rookie season but has still played on over 20% of the total snaps. Thankfully, his departure coincides with Trysten Hill's return from COVID protocol and won't leave the Cowboys shorthanded.
Cowboys LB Keanu Neal has tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time this season. He's been placed on Reserve/COVID-19, which means for a third time he will miss a game because of the virus this season (once as close contact). Neal wasn't fully vaccinated to begin season.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 31, 2021
Cowboys NT Quinton Bohanna has tested positive for COVID-19, coach Mike McCarthy said. He won't play Sunday vs. Cardinals.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 31, 2021
The Cowboys are facing a significant challenge tomorrow in the Cardinals; another top NFC contender vying to improve playoff positioning. Arizona just slipped out of lead spot in their division and into the wild card, so they'll be bringing everything they have in Dallas with the postseason just two weeks out.
Losing an experienced, quick linebacker like Keanu Neal could be trouble as the Cowboys try to contain Arizona QB Kyler Murray. It will likely pull Micah Parsons into more of a traditional LB role and limit how much he can be used to rush the passer.
We'll soon see how Dallas deals with these latest losses to COVID.
