There is plenty of worry surrounding the condition of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Many are wondering if his injury will have an adverse effect on his future. Team owner Jerry Jones tried to calm fans down, saying that he should be ready to play by the start of training camp.
Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News was present when the press asked Jones about Vander Esch's condition. The level of positivity Jones was showing regarding the condition of the 24-year-old linebacker should calm people down.
Jerry Jones on LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck): “He’s 100% in my eyes — 100%.” Expected to be a full participant by start of training camp.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 27, 2020
Vander Esch didn't have an opportunity to build on the promising rookie campaign he had in 2018. He only played in nine games last season, managing 72 tackles, one forced fumble, and three defended passes. The neck injury he sustained in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, reportedly diagnosed as cervical spinal stenosis, hampered his development into a reliable star for the Cowboys.
However, Michael Irvin is cautious about the effect that the injury may have on the young linebacker. He experienced a similar injury during his playing days and has an idea of the effect it will have on Vander Esch's play.
Irving shared his concerns about Vander Esch's health, per Dallas Morning News' David Moore:
“One of the things I worried about, to be honest with you, is the reverse psychology of my own mind working against me,’’ Irvin said. “Even if I was able to somehow get back on the football field, knowing the situation that was going on with my neck and knowing that other people knew it, are they looking at me and saying, ‘Oh, Michael is a little worried about the neck.’”
Cowboys fans hope that the injury won't leave their young linebacker afraid to make big hits in the future.
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