The Dallas Cowboys defense took another blow on Sunday night. After getting manhandled by the San Francisco 49ers, the team found out that star linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was dealing with a neck injury. After some discussion, the team decided to place him on IR.
Dallas Cowboys Leighton Vander Esch Headed To IR
Vander Esch will miss at least the next four games. Neck injuries are tough and there is a possibility that he will be out longer. Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reported that “the team’s hope is that he will be able to return from injured reserve before the end of the season.” This is yet another huge blow to the defense. Trevon Diggs is already lost for the season and now Vander Esch will be missing extended time. The team is expected to sign former first-round pick Rashaan Evans to help fill the holes but fans of the Cowboys are starting to become concerned with the mounting injuries.
Can The Cowboys Still Be Dominant On Defense?
The defense has been the reason for the hot start. They have been downright dominant at times making it so the offense has to do very little. Now that big pieces are starting to miss time, the question becomes whether they can be as dominant. The good news is Micah Parsons is still one of the best defensive players in the league and Dan Quinn has proven he can coordinate a top defense. It is also a long season. Injuries happen and it may take a couple of weeks for the new players to assimilate to the system but after that things start to work well again.
The Dallas Cowboys are hoping that Leighton Vander Esch can make it back this season. It was Super Bowl or bust before the season and with all the injuries it may turn into another bust season.