Cowboys Rumors: Execs Feel Jones May Keep 'Lame Duck' HC McCarthy with Strong Finish

Despite a disappointing season, some executives think Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy could save his job with a strong finish to the year.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, executives around the league believe the Cowboys "might stick with their 'lame duck' coach if they see enough progress and the locker room support the coach has received continues."

Russini also reported that stars like quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons have vocally supported McCarthy as head coach throughout the season.

The Cowboys' playoff odds got even worse after they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday to drop to 5-8. To avoid elimination this week, they would need to win their matchup against the Carolina Panthers while also getting some help from the Washington Commanders, who would need to lose or tie against the New Orleans Saints, per the NFL Playoff Scenarios.

Even if it can avoid being eliminated from the playoff picture this week, Dallas would need a bit of a miracle to sneak into the postseason with just four games remaining.

In McCarthy's defense, his squad has been depleted by injuries this year with Prescott suffering a season-ending hamstring injury and Parsons missing a few games due to an ankle sprain. In total, the Cowboys have had 13 players on the injured reserve list this year.

With their postseason chances likely over, McCarthy and the Cowboys will focus on handling business to enter the offseason with at least some confidence. McCarthy has a good chance to prove he's still capable of leading the team if he can close out the season well against a handful of strong teams.

After facing the Panthers on Sunday, Dallas will have matchups with two potential playoff teams in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Washington Commanders, and will take on one of the NFC's best in the Philadelphia Eagles.

If the Cowboys win their final four games without their star quarterback and a handful of other key players, McCarthy should feel good about his standing going into the offseason.