The NFL Players Association understandably pushed the NFL to cancel 2020 preseason games and implement an expanded training camp schedule to account for a longer acclimation period. Players needed adequate time to get into football shape ahead of full-contact play because all on-field practices in the spring and summer were canceled amid COVID-19.
The problem with an expanded training camp schedule after months of inaction, though, is more chances for what former NFL team doctor David Chao calls "an acclimation to football injury." This is what happened to Cowboys defensive tackle Gerald McCoy on Monday.
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McCoy, the 32-year-old who Dallas signed to a three-year contract in 2020 free agency, suffered a season-ending torn quad in his right leg. After an MRI, the Cowboys announced McCoy's injury would require surgery.
The video of McCoy's injury, captured by CBS 11 photojournalist Bill Ellis, is surprising in its benign nature. McCoy was simply working through a low-speed pash rushing drill with fellow defensive tackle Antwaun Woods when his tendon popped, causing immediate pain.
Here’s video shot by @CBS11Sports photojournalist Bill Ellis of Gerald McCoy’s season ending ruptured right quadriceps tendon injury suffered in @dallascowboys 1st practice in pads today...maybe @profootballdoc can explain how this happened??? pic.twitter.com/qceuui1r1p
— Bill Jones (@CBS11BillJones) August 17, 2020
"This injury is part of what can be considered an acclimation to football injury," Chao wrote in an article for OutKick.com. "It is an injury which teams are worried about every year but certainly more so this season given the pandemic. ... McCoy will need surgery and not only is there no chance for this season, it is not a guarantee that he will be ready for next season.
"The quad tendon attaches to the top of the patella and is responsible for the majority of one's power to run, jump and take on blocks as one actively extends the knee. This major tendon with four major muscles attached to it requires extensive rehab that often takes longer and is harder than an ACL surgery. The quad is the major muscle involved in squatting and a defensive lineman has to support his own weight and (take on) the weight of two offensive linemen blocking him."
McCoy spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Buccaneers before hitting free agency and signing a one-year deal with the Panthers last season. He has three first-team All-Pro nods and six Pro Bowls on his resume, so the Cowboys were optimistic about what he would bring to their front seven.
Instead, McCoy's first snap in Dallas will come in 2021.
Just received this incredibly self-aware text from #Cowboys DT Gerald McCoy about his season-ending injury. pic.twitter.com/YLKU1fE2PS
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) August 17, 2020
"Just want the fans to know I truly appreciate the warm welcome and I'm sorry this happened," McCoy wrote in a letter to fans obtained by ESPN's Ed Werder. "... I was really looking forward to this amazing opportunity we have in front of us.
"I will remain the mentor I am to the young guys and do my part to make sure that this team goes where it needs to. As far as my mindset people deal with real live problems (every) day especially now with the state of our country. There is a lot of pain and heartache taking place right now that all our attention needs to go towards whether it is the pandemic or our fight for social justice. In retrospect, what I'm dealing with is minimal compared to that."