McCarthy feels good after surgery, set to coach

FRISCO, Texas — Two days after surgery to remove his appendix, Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is back at The Star and said he plans to be on the sideline calling plays Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I feel good and anticipate everything staying normal Sunday night,” McCarthy said on his scheduled conference call Friday.

McCarthy said he thought he had a stomach virus for the past week or so but when he arrived at the facility Wednesday he met with head athletic trainer Jim Maurer and went to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis. A few hours later, he had surgery.

By Wednesday evening he was talking to assistant coaches and quarterback Dak Prescott. On Thursday, he had virtual meetings with staff and players.

“I’m sure I’m as sore as you’re supposed to be Day 2 post-op,” McCarthy said, adding, “Once I was released from the hospital, I’ve been totally engaged in the game plan.”

He said he does not need more medical clearance to coach from the sidelines, but he will be more mindful of his surroundings when players are heading toward him during plays. He said he’ll monitor his workload Friday and Saturday to make sure he does not have any setbacks.

He does not believe his absence took any focus away from the players heading into such a big game against the Eagles.

“It’s clearly why I felt it was so important for me to get back in here. Trust me, anybody who knows me or who’s ever worked with me, I’m the last guy that wants to take any attention off the players,” McCarthy said. “This is a players’ game. I’ve built my program around that premise. Everything that touches the locker room is the most important, that’s why it’s imperative for me to get back in here and get going to make sure the normalcy was totally back in place. I do give the players a ton of credit and coaches for just keeping it rolling on Wednesday and Thursday.”

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