Cowboys' Linebacker Corps Depleted as Vander Esch Lands on Injured Reserve
The Dallas Cowboys face a mounting challenge on defense with the placement of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch on injured reserve following a neck injury. Vander Esch is expected to miss a minimum of four upcoming games, with the team hopeful for his return either against the Carolina Panthers on November 19 or against the Seattle Seahawks on November 30.
The concern over Vander Esch's injury is amplified by his medical history; he underwent neck surgery in 2019 and was sidelined for the final three games of the previous season due to similar issues. His latest setback occurred when he collided inadvertently with a teammate's leg during play.
The Cowboys have been struggling with linebacker depth even prior to Vander Esch’s injury. As the team grapples with his loss, they're also facing the absence of rookie DeMarvion Overshown, who is out with a torn ACL sustained in the preseason. Additionally, Markquese Bell, who has shifted from safety to linebacker to offer additional support, may now see increased playing time in light of these injuries.
The recent health setbacks extend beyond Vander Esch. Linebacker Damone Clark is dealing with a shoulder problem, and in a bid to fortify the linebacker group, the Cowboys have promoted Malik Jefferson from the practice squad and signed Mikel Jones, who comes in primarily for special teams play. With the loss of Vander Esch, the coaching staff is reportedly considering the acquisition of an experienced linebacker to provide stability to the unit.
Dan Quinn, Defensive Coordinator for the Cowboys, has acknowledged the team's predicament. There may be a need for strategic adjustments, including potentially shifting star Micah Parsons back to the linebacker position where he excelled during his rookie campaign.
Other Injury Woes
The linebacker position isn't the only area where the Cowboys have run into difficulties with injuries. C.J. Goodwin, primarily a special teams standout, has been lost for the season after tearing his left pectoral muscle. Cornerback Trevon Diggs's season came to an untimely end due to a torn ACL, and the Cowboys special teams may also feel the impact of these injuries.
Return specialist KaVontae Turpin, who has made a name for himself with electrifying returns, is presently constrained by an ankle issue. If he is unavailable, the Cowboys might lean on Rico Dowdle or Deuce Vaughn to take over return duties, both of whom offer options for the special teams coordinator.
Comments from the Cowboys' Coaches
Despite the setbacks, the Cowboys’ coaching staff appears to be staying proactive and cautiously optimistic. Head Coach Mike McCarthy conveyed in a recent personnel meeting that the team is exploring "potential opportunities," though he emphasized the necessity of having complete information before taking any actions.
Quinn, backed by experience, points out that adversity is part and parcel of an NFL season, not just for the Cowboys but for all teams. His focus remains on possessing "a big, deep crew" capable of making necessary adjustments in response to the various challenges that a season presents.
Quinn remarked on the team's resilience, "That's part of the balance we'll have to face and work through it." As autumn advances and the season intensifies, the ability of the Cowboys to adapt could well define their fortunes in a highly competitive NFC East.
For now, the Cowboys' defense remains a watchful work in progress, with coaches and management poised to pivot as required, support the team’s depth with strategic signings, and leverage the versatility of their current roster to navigate the challenges imposed by these unexpected injuries.
With the team's adaptability being put to the test, it will be the strategical agility of Quinn, McCarthy, and the rest of the staff that may keep the Cowboys competitive as they contend with these setbacks and aim to maintain their posture as a formidable force within the league.