Mike McCarthy has brought energy back to Dallas Cowboys after absence with back surgery
Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is a back at work at the Star in Frisco after missing rookie minicamp last week due to back surgery. His returned has sparked a renewed energy to the team’s workouts.
“There was definitely a little bit of energy missing,” tight end Jake Ferguson said. “I mean, seeing him back in there, it’s awesome and you felt that right away.”
Ferguson was one of three Cowboys, including receiver Michael Gallup and guard Josh Ball, on hand the announcement that the Pro Bull Riders (PBR) World Champion will be crowned in Arlington at AT&T Stadium in May of 2024.
Vice President Stephen Jones said there was never any long-term concern about McCarthy’s back and subsequent availability. It was just finding the right time to get it done.
“He’s doing well,” Jones said. “I mean he just wanted to get this behind him. Obviously you never rest from the time the season’s over, you get the combine, free agency , then the draft. This was the best time for him to jump in and get it done.
“They just told him not to rush it back because you know those backs can be tricky. But no, he’s doing great.”
Receiver Michael Gallup said McCarthy kept the team in the dark about his surgery. He was gone and just popped back up this week.
But they were happy to see him back.
“It’s been great,” Gallup said. “It’s great seeing him walking through the locker room, all that stuff. That’s normal for him. He’s a fun guy. He’s always trying to dap you up and say ‘what’s up.’ But we definitely missed him in the locker room.”
Now, McCarthy is back.
And his back is good.
He returned in time for Phase 2 of the offseason program, which began on Monday when the rookies and veterans worked together for the first time.
Organized team activities start with six practices on May 22-23, May 25, May 30 and June 1-2 with minicamp slated to be held June 6-8.
This story was originally published May 17, 2023 at 1:39 PM.
