Dallas Cowboys linebacker tests positive for COVID-19

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal has tested positive for COVID-19, per NFL reporter Tom Pelissero. He will miss Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Neal also tested positive for the virus on Sept. 25, meaning he was not required to test again for 90 days from that date. That ended a week ago, and coincidentally he drew a positive on what was presumably one of first tests since that break.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Neal with the 17th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. The Florida alumnus spent his first five years in the league with the Falcons, totaling 338 tackles and eight forced fumbles.

He signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys this offseason, reuniting with his former coach Dan Quinn, the Dallas defensive coordinator. So far this season he has 67 tackles and one sack.

The Cowboys are currently 11-4 and the second seed in the NFC playoffs. Sunday’s matchup against Arizona is pivotal for both teams, as the Cardinals are currently the five seed.

Dallas is on a roll as of late, having won its past four games. Most recently, it delivered a dominant 56-14 victory against the Washington Football Team. The Cowboys have already won the NFC East division and clinched their first playoff appearance since 2018.

The defense has played a big part in their success, currently ranking seventh in the NFL in points allowed per game (20.5). But the Dallas Cowboys will have to make do without a key linebacker after he tested positive for COVID-19. Neal was one of 23 active roster additions to the COVID-19 reserves list, all of which were positive tests.

Kickoff for the contest between Dallas and the Cardinals is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.