Stephen Jones opens up about how long Leighton Vander Esch could remain on IR

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into Week 10, which means it’s time to check in on linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. The veteran defensive team leader went on Injured Reserve with a neck injury three weeks ago and this could be his last week inactive based on the NFL’s rules. However, according to Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, Vander Esch is still “weeks” away from a return – if he returns this season at all.

“That’s still a question mark as to when or will he come back this year,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan, via Jon Machota. “I think that’s a work in progress. But it certainly won’t be this week, or for that matter, probably (not) in the next couple weeks.”

The Cowboys lost Vander Esch during the abysmal game against the 49ers. The Giants game on Sunday would have been the last game he has to miss based on the IR rules but it sounds like he’s at risk of missing games against the Panthers and even the Commanders, which is on Thanksgiving Day.

To help with depth issues, the Cowboys elevated linebacker Rashaan Evans from the practice squad for gameday against the Rams, and then again against the Eagles. Markquese Bell, a former undrafted free agent, is filling in for Vander Esch as the team’s starting middle linebacker.

Cowboys facing several more weeks without Vander Esch

Through the first five games of the season, Vander Esch tallied 30 tackles, including 17 solo stops. He has also recovered one fumble. The linebacker left his last game with 10 tackles, including one for loss.

He suffered the injury from Niners offensive lineman Trent Williams driving him into Cowboys teammate Micah Parsons. It was a move called a “slingshot” that Dallas reportedly addressed with the NFL prior to the game.

Vander Esch, a former first-round selection out of Boise State, is in his sixth season with Dallas. He missed three games for the Cowboys last season because of neck trouble. He also did not play in seven contests during the 2019 campaign because of a similar issue.

In the offseason, the Cowboys inked Vander Esch to a two-year deal worth $11 million. That contract agreement came in March after spending the 2022 campaign on a one-year deal. He finished 2022 with 90 tackles in the regular season. He also had a sack and six tackles for loss, as well as 20 stops in the playoffs.