Cowboys DT Gerald McCoy to have season-ending knee surgery

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Gerald McCoy ruptured his right quadriceps tendon during the first padded practice of training camp Monday and will undergo season-ending surgery, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. 

McCoy was hurt during individual drills and was unable to put weight on his leg after he was examined by the team's medical staff. Before ducking into the locker room, McCoy attempted to take some steps unassisted but could not. An MRI revealed the tear. 

The Cowboys signed McCoy to a three-year, $18 million deal in free agency as part of a rebuild of their defensive line that also included the additions of Aldon Smith, Dontari Poe and Everson Griffen, who has yet to practice but has cleared COVID-19 testing protocol.

"It's obviously tough," Jones said. "It's part of the game. You see injuries around the league every day and unfortunately that's why you have to have a deep roster. Obviously you sign a guy like Everson Griffen, you never know when things like this are going to happen."

Coach Mike McCarthy spoke before Monday's practice about McCoy.

"He's a perennial Pro Bowler, and he looks great. Can't say enough about the shape he's in and just the energy that he brings to our defensive front," McCarthy said. "... He's a great fit for us. We look for him to be a force inside."

McCoy spent his first nine seasons in Tampa Bay before joining Carolina last season. He has missed more than three games in a season just once in his career.

Rookie Neville Gallimore and last year's second-round pick, Trysten Hill, replaced McCoy at times during practice.

"We know [McCoy] was fired up to be here, but it's also disappointing for us," Jones said. "He was one of our major acquisitions in the offseason in free agency, but having said that, this will give Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore an opportunity to really step up now."