Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch suffered a neck injury during Sunday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Vander Esch, who has a history of neck injuries, was evaluated on the field by medical staff while his concerned teammates knelt nearby. The team later confirmed that Vander Esch had a neck injury and was questionable to return, although he did not return to the game. Vander Esch walked off the field towards the locker room, which was seen as a positive sign, but further evaluation was needed. X-rays taken after the game came back negative, providing some relief. However, the team plans to take every precaution and Vander Esch's evaluation will continue with an MRI. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stated that Vander Esch could potentially be placed on injured reserve due to the neck injury. It is likely that Vander Esch will be designated to return later in the season.
TRADE NEED? SHOULD #Cowboys Plan Trade to Replace Injured Leighton Vander Each? https://t.co/aIhgi0FQRl via @DallasCowboysFN https://t.co/c6ikygQCJr
A person with knowledge of the situation confirms ESPN report that Leighton Vander Esch has a neck strain and will miss 4-6 weeks. @dmn_cowboys
#Cowboys : Leighton Vander Esch Could Be Moved with Scary Neck Injury https://t.co/mbYRqf5GXN via @DallasCowboysFN
Leighton Vander Esch could be headed to injured reserve. https://t.co/xNF1Wbh9FK
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn said mitigating LB Leighton Vander Esch’s absence will require a collective effort. He mentioned Damone Clark first and then Micah Parsons, hinting at potentially more off-ball reps for the hybrid defensive end.
Cowboys plan to place LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) on injured reserve this week and are discussing a potential veteran addition. Test results been promising, and there is hope Vander Esch could be designated to return later this season, a person familiar with situation said.
Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch likely headed to IR, career in question as well https://t.co/0JyU045ikt
LVE TO IR? #DallasCowboys BREAKING: Leighton Vander Esch Could Be Moved with Scary Neck Injury https://t.co/mbYRqf6eNl via @DallasCowboysFN
Cowboys are considering placing LB Leighton Vander Esch on injured reserve due to the neck he injury he suffered during Sunday night’s loss to the 49ers.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) likely headed to injured reserve, per coach Mike McCarthy https://t.co/zHjl4SIu2P https://t.co/RvPET9zZ6f
#Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy said LB Leighton Vander Esch could end up on IR with the neck injury he suffered on Sunday night vs. the 49ers. https://t.co/NWr96tCrCX
Leighton Vander Esch and C.J. Goodwin are likely headed to injured reserve, per Mike McCarthy.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) could be headed to the injured reserve
Mike McCarthy said it looks like Leighton Vander Esch (neck) and CJ Goodwin (shoulder) are headed to Injured Reserve.
Leighton Vander Esch Injury Update: What Happened to the Cowboys LB? . Read more below ⬇ https://t.co/RTpSiDI9cs
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch underwent X-rays on neck Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, and in good news, those returned negative, a person familiar with situation said. Team to take every precaution here. His evaluation continues Monday with MRI.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott on LB Leighton Vander Esch, who exited with neck injury: “Thoughts and prayers and hoping for the best for him, whatever it is with Leighton, obviously understanding that he’s had previous history. He’s a leader. He’s a guy that does everything right.” https://t.co/cId8YDOiTx
Leighton Vander Esch leaves with neck injury. https://t.co/73FFlGWWKy
It is officially a neck injury for Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch. Team says he is questionable to return. (He is not returning today.)
Leighton Vander Esch (neck) is questionable to return. #Cowboys
Leighton Vander Esch played his tail off tonight.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch is walking straight off field toward the locker room area. Great sign that he is walking, but he will be evaluated more closely.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch is down. He has a history of neck injuries. The Cowboys are monitoring him with extreme caution
#Cowboys Leighton Vander Esch is down on the field. Real concern here.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch is down on the field, and the medical staff appears to be evaluating his neck area. Very scary situation with his history. Teammates kneeling in concern.
Leighton Vander Esch is down and being evaluated.