Leighton Vander Esch Sidelined by Neck Injury
Dallas Cowboys' linebacker, Leighton Vander Esch, has been placed on injured reserve following a neck injury that will see him sidelined for a minimum of four games. The linebacker has had a history with neck issues, undergoing surgery in 2019 and missing out on the closing games of the last season due to a similar injury. Vander Esch's latest setback was caused during a collision where he was pushed into a teammate's leg.
The Cowboys are now eyeing his return, which could potentially be against the Carolina Panthers on November 19 or the Seattle Seahawks on November 30. The timing of his return is critical for the Cowboys as they navigate through their mid-season schedule.
Cowboys' Linebacker Depth Concerns
Depth at the linebacker position has been a cause for concern for the Cowboys. Rookie DeMarvion Overshown is out with an ACL tear sustained in the preseason, and another recent blow comes from converted safety Markquese Bell, who has also transitioned to the linebacker role.
Moreover, Damone Clark is currently dealing with a shoulder problem. To bolster the ranks, Malik Jefferson has been promoted from the practice squad. Additionally, Mikel Jones was brought in, primarily to contribute on special teams.
With these compounding issues at linebacker, the Cowboys' coaching staff is contemplating bringing in an experienced player to shore up the position, acknowledging the need to have depth across the roster to deal with such challenges.
Coaching Staff Discussing Strategies
Head Coach Mike McCarthy voiced his concerns in a recent personnel meeting, saying, "In our personnel meeting, we touched on some potential opportunities. But we just want to make sure we have all the information before we head down that road." This indicates that the Cowboys are weighing their options carefully before making any further roster moves.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn also spoke about the challenges the team is facing, "We also know there's going to be parts that challenge us through the year. That's not just on our team, that's on every team. So that's why you better have a big, deep crew that can roll and be able to make adjustments." Quinn further added, "That's part of the balance we'll have to face and work through it."
In light of Vander Esch's injury, there is speculation that Quinn may adjust defensive strategies, which could see standout player Micah Parsons shifting more regularly into the linebacker role.
Injury Woes Extending Beyond Linebacker Corps
The injury problems for the Cowboys are not confined to their linebacker group. C.J. Goodwin, an essential special teams player, has been moved to injured reserve for the remainder of the season due to a torn left pectoral muscle. Furthermore, an ACL tear has regrettably concluded cornerback Trevon Diggs's season prematurely.
Special teams could face further complications as return specialist KaVontae Turpin is currently afflicted by an ankle issue. Should Turpin be unable to play, running backs Rico Dowdle and rookie Deuce Vaughn stand ready to fill in as return specialists in his place, adding versatility to their contribution to the team.
Conclusion
The Cowboys, a team familiar with overcoming adversity, are again tested by a spate of injuries this season. With critical players on both defence and special teams facing extended periods on the sidelines, the coaching staff must now utilize their entire roster to navigate through the mid-season successfully. Depth players are expected to step up, and strategic adjustments by Coach Quinn will be crucial to ensure the team maintains its competitive edge.
The coming weeks will be telling as the Cowboys assess their options and rally their strength to cover for their injured stars. As the season progresses, the team's adaptability and depth will undoubtedly be under the microscope, setting the stage for the squad's resilience to be a defining feature of their 2023 campaign.