Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy says he's '100 percent' following recent back procedure

Mike McCarthy is back on the sidelines for Cowboys OTAs. Coaching via zoom no longer is required.

McCarthy injured his back and needed a surgical procedure earlier this month for the issue to heal. That’s why the coach missed rookie mini-camp earlier this month. But he’s back at The Star, overseeing the key implementation of Dallas’ new offense.

“I’m good, I’m back, I’m 100 percent,” Mike McCarthy said Thursday at a press conference. Sounds like a good slogan, doesn’t it?

Mike McCarthy on his recent back procedure: “I’m good. I’m back. I’m 100 percent.” pic.twitter.com/2L7sj5k2os

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 25, 2023

Here’s why McCarthy wants to be on the sidelines at the end of May. After the Cowboys lost to the 49ers in the second round of the NFL playoffs, Dallas made some drastic changes on the offensive side of the ball. McCarthy is headed into his fourth season as head coach, but he’ll take over play calling duties for the first time in his Dallas tenure. The Cowboys and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore parted ways and McCarthy elevated Brian Schottenheimer to take over the position. Meanwhile, McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones also let go of the assistants in charge of running backs and the offensive line.

Mike McCarthy told reporters that there will be eight sessions in which he’ll install a part of the new offense. Thursday’s team practice represented the second install.

But McCarthy said the Cowboys still will speak the same offensive terminology.

“We’re still in Dak’s language,” Mike McCarthy said of Dak Prescott, the Cowboys quarterback. “2020 was trying to figure out who we wanted to be. But I think the evolution from 2021 and 2022 is what we want to continue to build off of.”

Mike McCarthy on the consistency with the offense with the change at coordinator:

"We're still in Dak's language. 2020 was trying to figure out who we wanted to be, but I think the evolution from 2021 and 2022 is what we want to continue to build off of."

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) May 25, 2023

Mike McCarthy also had some good news for Cowboy fans. Running back Tony Pollard was participating in OTA walk throughs. Pollard broke his ankle in the first half against the 49ers in the playoff loss. He then needed surgery to fix the fracture. So he’s back now, albeit moving at a slow pace.

However, McCarthy said the Cowboys haven’t replaced Ezekiel Elliott, as yet. Dallas released Elliott, who ranked No. 3 all-time on the Cowboys career rushing list, back in March. Elliott, the No. 4 pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, still hasn’t signed with another team. Elliott had fallen behind Pollard on the depth chart last season with the Cowboys using him in short yardage or goal-line plays.

“I don’t think you just go out and replace Zeke,” Mike McCarthy said. “I’ve never viewed it that way. Business, cap economics, that’s real. You make decisions and sometimes the decisions definitely factor in the next decision or two that’s coming down the road. We were just doing short yardage and goal line last night and he just jumps off the tape.

“This really isn’t about replacing Zeke,” McCarthy said. “It’s really about opportunities for the young guys. Tony’s opportunity to be the lead back. We’re just getting all those guys ready. Deuce (Vaughn) is the new guy. It’s been cool to see him implemented into the things we’ve been doing here the last week. The group will look different because his presence is not there any more.”