Cowboys Lose Linebacker To Worrying Injury

The Dallas Cowboys lost a big piece in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch left Week 15's game against the Jaguars with a neck injury and did not return.

Players that the #Cowboys missed significantly in the loss to Jacksonville:
- Leighton Vander Esch
- Anthony Brown
- Jourdan Lewis
- Jonathan Hankins
- Terence Steele

Plain & simple. Each of their replacements were responsible for big plays. No excuse for the L, just noteworthy.

— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) December 18, 2022

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters following the game: ''I'm concerned, obviously. I think everybody is concerned based on his history." The history that McCarthy is referring to here is the neck surgery that Vander Esch underwent early in his NFL career, which threatened his ability to keep playing. As a result, the concern here is definitely high.

In 14 games this season, the twenty-six-year-old has 90 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass defended. He is a former first-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Vander Esch's status will be one to keep a close eye on and we'll provide updates once they become available.

Photo Credit:  Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports