Cowboys expected to sign LB Rashaan Evans after Wednesday workout

The Dallas Cowboys are making a move at linebacker, as Leighton Vander Esch deals with a neck injury that’ll sideline him for at least a month, possibly longer.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Dallas is expected to sign linebacker Rashaan Evans following a workout on Wednesday afternoon. Evans is a former first round pick of the Tennessee Titans, and played college ball in Tuscaloosa, with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“The Cowboys are expected to sign LB Rashaan Evans to the practice squad after a workout Wednesday, per a source,” tweeted Archer. “A former first-round pick of Tennessee, was recently on Philadelphia’s PS. Cowboys will be without Leighton Vander Esch for at least 4-6 weeks because of neck injury.”

Moreover, Evans was a first-round draft pick in 2018, like Vander Esch. The Cowboys linebacker and Evans were separated by only three draft spots. Evans was a part-time starter with Alabama who led the Crimson Tide in tackles in 2017.

He played four seasons with the Titans. But Tennessee didn’t pick up his fifth year option. He spent 2022 with the Falcons. And he had a brief stay last month on the Eagles’ practice squad. The team signed him Sept. 12, then waived him three days later.

In his career, Rashaan Evans started 55 games. He can play the run and rush the passer. Evans has totaled 317 tackles with 15 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits hits and three sacks. He also posted eight passes defended, with two interceptions, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He scored a touchdown on one of the recovered fumbles.

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Continuing, Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week that Dallas might explore signing a veteran.

“In our personnel meeting we touched on some potential opportunities,” McCarthy told reporters. “But we just want to make sure we have all of the information before we head down that road.”

Another option for the Cowboys is to use Micah Parsons as more of an off-ball linebacker as opposed to an edge rusher. Otherwise, the Cowboys don’t have much depth. 

Vander Esch strained his neck Sunday night in a loss to the 49ers. He got pushed from behind and ended up knocking into Parsons’ leg. The linebacker has suffered from neck issues since his third year in the NFL. He missed seven games in 2019 and couldn’t play in the final three games of 2022.

With this current injury, Vander Esch could miss up to six weeks, which means he’s a candidate for IR. His likely return is sometime around Thanksgiving.

On3’s Suzanne Haliburton contributed to this article.