The Dallas Cowboys have announced that linebacker Leighton Vander Esch will be placed on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury in Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said on Tuesday that Vander Esch will undergo a procedure on his neck that will end his season and put his career in question. Cowboys’ Leighton Vander Esch out for season, career in question
Vander Esch, who was the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 2018, has been dealing with neck issues since his college days at Boise State. He missed the second half of the 2016 season with a pinched nerve in his neck and had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck in January 2020. He missed six games last season and two games this season due to neck and collarbone injuries. Cowboys’ Leighton Vander Esch lost for season due to potential career-threatening neck injury.
Cowboys lose their defensive leader and signal caller
Vander Esch’s injury is a huge blow to the Cowboys’ defense, which has been struggling to stop the run and generate turnovers. Vander Esch was the team’s defensive leader and signal caller, wearing the green dot on his helmet to communicate with the coaches and the other players. He had 41 tackles, two passes defended and one forced fumble in seven games this season. He was also a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro in his rookie season, when he had 140 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions. Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch ruled out for year, putting rest of career in jeopardy
The Cowboys will have to rely on their young and inexperienced linebackers to fill the void left by Vander Esch. Rookie DeMarvion Overshown, who wore the green dot in the preseason, is also on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Veteran safety Jayron Kearse will take over the role of the defensive play-caller, while Keanu Neal, Micah Parsons and Jabril Cox will rotate at the linebacker positions. Kearse said that Vander Esch has been coaching the young players and helping the defense on and off the field. Why Leighton Vander Esch’s injury is extra difficult for Cowboys to overcome
Cowboys face uncertain future with Vander Esch
The Cowboys have to make a tough decision on Vander Esch’s future with the team. They declined his fifth-year option in May, which means he will become a free agent after this season. The Cowboys could try to re-sign him to a low-risk, incentive-based contract, but they also have to consider his long-term health and his ability to play at a high level. The Cowboys have other pending free agents on defense, such as Randy Gregory, Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown, who might demand more attention and money. Cowboys Rumors: Leighton Vander Esch’s Career in Doubt
Vander Esch, who is only 26 years old, has said that he loves playing for the Cowboys and wants to stay with the team. He has also expressed confidence in his recovery and his return to the field. However, he also has to weigh the risks and benefits of continuing his football career, especially with a history of neck injuries that could affect his quality of life. The Cowboys and Vander Esch will have to wait and see how his surgery goes and how he responds to the rehabilitation process before making any final decisions. Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) out for season.
