Cowboys: When could Leighton Vander Esch return?
It's official: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is going to be placed on Injured Reserve, Mike McCarthy announced on Thursday. The move wasn't included on the same day's slew of roster moves, however. That would knock him out at least four weeks, per NFL rules. At least officially speaking, that's pretty much all we […]
It's official: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is going to be placed on Injured Reserve, Mike McCarthy announced on Thursday. The move wasn't included on the same day's slew of roster moves, however.
That would knock him out at least four weeks, per NFL rules. At least officially speaking, that's pretty much all we know. Per Michael Gehlken from Dallas Morning News, Vander Esch is expected to miss four to six weeks.
It's worth noting when it comes to Vander Esch, caution must be exercised due to his long neck injury history.
This sets up the Cowboys for a difficult challenge as they'll balancing Vander Esch's health with a dire need for bodies at linebacker. The franchise put itself in such a position when they entered the season with three true off-ball linebackers on the 53-man roster:
- Leighton Vander Esch (IR)
- Damone Clark
- Devin Harper (waived earlier in the season)
The Cowboys have added veteran linebacker Rashaan Evans to their practice squad to replace LVE. Although not on the 53-man roster yet, he can be elevated to the gameday roster up to three times before having to be signed to the 53.
The earliest Leighton Vander Esch can return
The Cowboys do have a bye week following their appointment versus the L.A. Chargers so assuming Vander Esch is placed on IR before the game, would be technically missing give weeks of action.
- Week 6: @ L.A. Chargers
- Week 7: BYE
- Week 8: L.A. Rams
- Week 9: Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 10: New York Giants
Best case scenario, Vander Esch would be eligible to return after Week 10 versus the New York Giants.
The opponents ahead raise some concern about the injury, as these are teams that could exploit his absence with relative ease. Evidently, you'd like LVE against the Eagles, whose run game is still a big-time problem for defenses. Sean McVay's wide zone scheme can put a lot of horizontal stress on defense and consistently forces second-level players to make plays. As for Monday's matchup, Austin Ekeler is expected to return and we know he's seen as a pass catcher in L.A.
Vander Esch's timetable won't allow him to be in any of those games so it'll be plan B when the time comes.
For more on Vander Esch's injury:
A to Z Sports' own Will Steele interviewed Dr. Michael H. Boothby to break down LVE's chronic neck injuries and what the latest incident could mean for the 2018 Pro Bowler.
Cowboys announce slew of roster moves entering Week 6
Big potential return ahead.
