Cowboys receive important update on Leighton Vander Esch's scary injury
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was at the heart of a major injury scare on Sunday during the team's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He suffered a neck injury as he collided with teammate Micah Parsons while being blocked by left tackle Trent Williams. Vander Esch remained on the floor being looked at […]
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was at the heart of a major injury scare on Sunday during the team's loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
He suffered a neck injury as he collided with teammate Micah Parsons while being blocked by left tackle Trent Williams. Vander Esch remained on the floor being looked at by trainers and shortly after left the field under his own power.
But considering Vander Esch's neck injury history, a red flag for many teams during the 2018 NFL Draft, the news is particularly concerning. That being said, the first update to hit the wire appears to be positive.
According to Michael Gehlken from Dallas Morning News, Vander Esch's X-rays came back negative. Although it's only a first step in his testing, it's good to know things started out on the right foot.
Vander Esch is expected to undergo an MRI on Monday for further testing. Obviously, the linebacker's situation is very specific, and every precaution is needed moving forward.
Given his situation, there's no question most of the concerns will be about Leighton himself. Football-wise though, the Cowboys are treading dangerous waters at linebacker. Vander Esch and Damone Clark are the only two rostered "natural" linebackers. Safety Markquese Bell has transitioned to help out at the position but the team has virtually no depth.
It's a concern entering Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season.
Monday Update: LVE 'could head to Injured Reserve
On Monday, Mike McCarthy told reporters Vander Esch could be looking at Injured Reserve, which would knock him out for at least four weeks.
