Jones expects Dallas to be better
OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — Jerry Jones expects the Dallas Cowboys to make significant strides in pursuit of their first Super Bowl since the 1995 season.
Back on stage for nearly an hour ahead of the start of training camp, the Cowboys owner and general manager was in his element during a free-wheeling press conference Wednesday where much of his optimism centered on progress regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.
Jones said five of the 90 players the Cowboys brought to training camp are not yet “in the pipeline” to receive some form of vaccine.
Among the majority, some are waiting to receive a second dose or have yet to clear the 14-day threshold to be regarded as fully vaccinated, Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones said.
“There’s not one thing that this issue of vaccine as it pertains to the COVID that in any way, relative to the other 31 teams in the NFL, will put us at a competitive disadvantage,” said Jerry Jones, whose team will play Pittsburgh in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 5.
The team’s vaccination status came into the spotlight after former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin said the failure to have at least 85 percent of players vaccinated meant they were not committed to winning. NFL teams are allowed to operate with relaxed COVID protocols after reaching that threshold.
Jerry Jones said he understood the competitive spirit behind Irvin’s comments and indicated the threetime Super Bowl winner and Hall of Fame inductee’s comments may have helped spur some players to get vaccinated.
“Well, Michael Irvin is the best example that I know of how much will and how much body language and how much heart and sacrifice mean to winning championships. He is that. And so when he talks, I listen. I know that,” the long-time owner said. “And I think he has a good reputation with the current group of players because of his visibility and his activity with the network and where he is as an individual, so he comes with all the credibility in the world.”
With vaccinations addressed, Jerry Jones turned his focus to onfield concerns, where the Cowboys have plenty after going 6-10 in the miserable NFC East last season.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is expected to participate fully in training camp after sustaining a compound fracture of his right ankle in Week 5, coach Mike McCarthy said. Running back Ezekiel Elliott, who has been showing off his improved physique on social media, should find more running room with improved health on the offensive line after setting career lows in rushing yards (979) and touchdowns (9).