Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal is a game-time decision for the NFC wild-card game against the visiting the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said there is concern the inside linebacker won’t be ready to go due to a biceps strain.
McCarthy said Monday he expected Neal to be on the field without restrictions by the end of the week, but that didn’t happen. And on Friday, McCarthy said a decision on Neal’s status would “come down to the wire.”
Twice this season, the Cowboys have been without Neal due to positive COVID-19 tests. He most recently went on the COVID-19 list on Dec. 31.
Neal could be critical facing the 49ers’ power-running game and a passing offense that leans on tight end George Kittle.
If Neal is inactive, backups Luke Gifford and Francis Bernard would be called upon to play more significant roles.