The Dallas Cowboys will be without one of their key defenders in Week 3.
Coach Mike McCarthy said linebacker Keanu Neal tested positive for COVID-19 and thus will not play Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. The former Pro Bowler was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday upon being identified as a close contact. McCarthy added that Neal hasn’t been ruled out for Week 4 versus the Panthers.
The sixth-year linebacker has played more than 70 percent of the Cowboys' defensive snaps through two games, collecting nine tackles. Dallas has been rotating its starters at LB thus far, including Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith, while rookie Micah Parsons has primarily worked at defensive end.
Reserve defensive lineman Bradlee Anae also won't be available versus Philly. His Friday placement on the COVID list was due to testing positive as well, McCarthy said. Safety Donovan Wilson (groin) is listed as doubtful.
Conversely, Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper (ribs) does not have a game status designation.
Injuries/COVID-19
- Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, which puts him on track to play Monday versus the Cowboys. The three-time Pro Bowler had tested positive despite being vaccinated, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He's caught three passes for 40 yards through two games. Left tackle Jordan Mailata (knee) and safety Rodney McLeod (knee) have been ruled out for Week 3. Running back Boston Scott (illness) and linebacker Davion Taylor (calf) are questionable. Coach Nick Sirianni said Andre Dillard will start at left tackle.
- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (groin) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game versus the Bengals.
- Detroit Lions defensive end Kevin Strong (concussion/thigh) was downgraded to out for Sunday versus the Ravens.
- The Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (ribs) on injured reserve. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the team hopes the second-year starter will be ready to return by Week 6.
- The Cincinnati Bengals downgraded safety Trae Waynes (hamstring) to out versus the Steelers.
- The New York Giants placed linebacker Cam Brown on injured reserve.
- The Chicago Bears downgraded defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (knee) to out versus the Browns.
- The Green Bay Packers downgraded offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (ankle) and tight end Dominique Dafney (hip) to out for Sunday's game versus the 49ers. Dafney was later placed on injured reserve.
- San Francisco 49ers running back JaMycal Hasty and defensive lineman Kevin Givens were placed on injured reserve.
- New Orleans Saints run game coordinator and tight ends coach Dan Roushar will be available for Sunday's game against the Patriots.
Roster news
- The Indianapolis Colts elevated quarterback Brett Hundley and receiver DeMichael Harris to the active roster from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Titans. Starter Carson Wentz (ankles), who is listed as questionable, is expected to play, per Rapoport.
- The New Orleans Saints elevated wide receiver Kenny Stills and center Austin Reiter from the practice squad.
- San Francisco 49ers running back Kerryon Johnson has been elevated from the practice squad.
- The Cleveland Browns elevated tight end Jordan Franks to the active roster.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars elevated receiver Phillip Dorsett as a COVID-19 replacement.
- The Cincinnati Bengals elevated safety Sean Davis from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Steelers.
- The New York Giants signed receiver C.J. Board and activated center Jonotthan Harrison from the practice squad.
- The Chicago Bears flexed defensive tackle Margus Hunt from the practice squad.
- The Los Angeles Rams activated defensive back Tyler Hall and running back Buddy Howell from the practice squad.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers elavated cornerback Rashard Robinson and tight end Deon Yelder as contagious disease practice squad elevations for Week 3.
- The Seattle Seahawks elevated defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche and receiver Cody Thompson from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game at Minnesota.
- The Minnesota Vikings signed running back Ameer Abdullah to the active roster and waived offensive tackle Blake Brandel. Guard Dakota Dozier and cornerback Parry Nickerson were elevated to the active roster.
- The Detroit Lions signed long snapper Beau Brinkley and punter Lachlan Edwards to practice squad. Receiver Javon McKinley and tight end Jared Pinkney were released in corresponding moves. The team also elevated kicker Ryan Santoso as a COVID-19 replacement.
- The Arizona Cardinals signed offensive linemen Sean Harlow and Koda Martin to the active roster from the practice squad, and released OL Brian Winters. The team also elevated safety Chris Banjo and cornerback Antonio Hamilton to the active roster from the practice squad.
- The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent running back Trey Ragas to the active roster and placed guard Richie Incognito on injured reserve in a corresponding move. Defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and linebacker Patrick Onwuasor were activated from the practice squad.
- The Baltimore Ravens elevated linebacker Josh Bynes, defensive tackle Reggie McKenzie, defensive back Kevon Seymour and offensive tackle Andre Smith to the active roster as COVID-19 replacements.
- The Los Angeles Chargers elevated defensive end Joe Gaziano and linebacker Emeke Egbule to the active roster.
- The Miami Dolphins elevated quarterback Reid Sinnett to the active roster.
Fines
- Pittsburgh Steelers guard Trai Turner was fined $15,450 for unsportsmanlike conduct after spitting at an opponent in last week's loss to the Raiders, Rapoport reported.
- Los Angeles Rams linebacker Kenny Young was fined $12,000 for making contact with an official last week against the Colts, per Rapoport.
- The NFL fined three Seattle Seahawks players: safety Jamal Adams for $15,450 for roughing the passer, guard Gabe Jackson for $12,875 and cornerback D.J. Reed for $5,111, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
- The league fined Los Angeles Chargers tight end Jared Cook and wide receiver Keenan Allen $10,300 apiece for taunting, per Pelissero.
- Chicago Bears safety Tashaun Gipson was fined $10,300 for taunting, Pelissero reported.
- Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell was fined $10,300 for taunting, per Pelissero.
- Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace was fined $9,526, Pelissero reported.
- Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young was fined $15,450 for roughing the passer and offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi was fined $6,692 for unnecessary roughness, per Pelissero.