After a disappointing loss on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys became more depleted with the injury of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. The third-year player reportedly broke his collarbone and will have surgery soon. He is expected to return back on the field in a span of 6-8 weeks from now.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport disclosed the injury report on Twitter:
Leighton Vander Esch only played in the first quarter of their game against the Los Angeles Rams where he tallied three tackles. His production in a short amount of time was indicative of his importance to the Cowboys' defensive rotation. Undrafted sophomore Luke Gifford will slot in the middle linebacker position in lieu of his absence for the time being.
The Boise State product only appeared in seven games last season as he sustained a nerve issue in his neck before deciding to undergo surgery to correct the issue, which eventually concluded his 2019 campaign. His presence on the team's defensive line will certainly be felt by the Cowboys in their coming games.
Another Dallas player in tight end Blake Jerwin also went down with a torn ACL injury in the first half of the game. His return to the field will be determined after the results of an MRI exam.
The team also lost former Dallas defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to a quadriceps injury during training camp and released safety HaHa Clinton-Dix prior to the start of the season.
With an undermanned roster, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will aim to maximize every player available at his disposal as his team hosts another tough opponent in the Atlanta Falcons on September 20.