Leighton Vander Esch Out For Rest Of The Season

Leighton Vander Esch Out For Rest Of The Season

12 months ago

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (neck) will miss the rest of the 2023 season due to a neck injury, and the rest of his career is also in jeopardy, according to owner Jerry Jones. Esch has a long history of neck injuries and was also born with cervical spinal stenosis, so he is not going to return from Injured Reserve this year. It's a big loss for the Cowboys defense, as the 27-year-old was playing well before his latest neck injury this year with 30 tackles (17 solo) and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in five games for Dallas. The former first-rounder had a fusion procedure on his neck after the 2019 season and missed time with collarbone, ankle and neck injuries in 2020 and 2021. He also missed the final four games in last year's regular season due to a stinger. The Cowboys have moved Damone Clark to Vander Esch's spot.

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter