Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is expected to miss between four and six weeks after picking up a neck strain during his team’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers. According to coach Mike McCarthy, Vander Esch could be placed on injured reserve, meaning that he would be forced to miss a minimum of four games.
“High caution is in place here,” McCarthy explained, particularly given the player’s history of neck issues. Vander Esch missed the last three games of last season due to a neck injury and underwent surgery after the 2019 season after missing seven games due to neck problems.
X-rays of Vander Esch’s neck were taken at the stadium, which came back negative. The player also underwent an MRI and other tests on Monday. In order to replace Vander Esch, the Cowboys are considering adding a veteran, however, McCarthy explained that further information is needed before making a final decision.
