Leighton Vander Esch will not to return to Cowboys-Rams game

There was plenty of chatter during training camp that Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch had felt better than ever, though that may no longer be the case. Coming off of offseason neck surgery, that was an imperative for a player who missed half of the 2019 season.

One quarter into the 2020 season the linebacker that may be the linchpin to an already struggling Dallas defense has headed to the locker room according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning news.

NBC’s broadcast showed video of the team doctors examining what sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya says is his collar bone, which has been reiterated by ESPN’s Todd Archer.

Weakside linebacker Jaylon Smith moves back into the middle linebacker role, and Joe Thomas enters the game at the weak-side spot.

Update: Vander Esch has been ruled out for the game.