Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch injures neck vs. 49ers

Field Level Media|published: Sun 8th October, 23:56 2023

Sep 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) calls a defensive play in the third quarter against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium. credits: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch injured his neck in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

After being attended to on the field, Vander Esch went to the locker room to undergo testing.

Any neck injury involving Vander Esch immediately causes great concern.

He sustained a neck injury in college in 2016 at Boise State and a more serious one with the Cowboys in 2019.

Vander Esch missed seven games in 2019 and underwent neck surgery after the season.

On Sunday night, San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams blocked Vander Esch into the side of Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons on a fourth-quarter play. Vander Esch had his head down as he made contact and fell to the turf.

Vander Esch had a team-leading 10 tackles for the Cowboys on Sunday night. The six-year veteran was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2018.

—Field Level Media