Cowboys dodge a bullet that could've derailed Super Bowl aspirations
The Dallas Cowboys got some positive news on Monday after receiving a scare on Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Starting linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was ruled out during the game due to what was believed a neck injury. Given Vander Esch's injury history, a neck injury was an immediate concern for the team that […]
The Dallas Cowboys got some positive news on Monday after receiving a scare on Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Starting linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was ruled out during the game due to what was believed a neck injury.
Given Vander Esch's injury history, a neck injury was an immediate concern for the team that drafted him in the first round despite a neck issue that had taken him off multiple teams' draft boards.
Fortunately, an MRI revealed the Cowboys linebacker actually injured his shoulder (stinger) and not his neck.
That's a huge development even if Vander Esch is expected to miss time regardless. According to Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken, the Cowboys will label him with a week-to-week status.
"He'll be able to come back and play this year," confirmed Stephen Jones on 105.3 The Fan.
Even if he's not around for Christmas Eve's showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles, having him for the postseason is going to be huge. We got a glimpse at what the Cowboys defense looks like without him at middle linebacker and it wasn't pretty.
The Jaguars gained over seven yards per play and looked way more efficient when LVE exited the game. The Cowboys were exploited underneath with quick passes and outside runs.
A defensive front already missing nose tackle Jhonathan Hankins will surely miss the linebacker while he's away but the Cowboys should have him back in the lineup for the postseason.
A serious neck injury would've put Vander Esch in a possible season-ending scenario, which would've been a huge problem in the postseason facing physical teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Right now, the Cowboys' defense is struggling as it navigates many injuries at all levels. While he isn't getting the respect he deserves this season, Vander Esch is a huge piece of Dan Quinn's puzzle.
Let's not understate how impactful he's been. Losing him for the year could've derailed the team's Super Bowl hopes.
Featured image via Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
