ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The Dallas Cowboys have dealt with an incessant amount of injuries since the 2020 season began but the team will likely have middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch back on the field Monday night.
Vander Esch suffered a collarbone fracture in the season opener against the Rams and was placed on the injured reserve list, sidelining him for at least the designated three-week period.
The Boise State product was activated off injured reserve and progressed during practice this week and participated in full practice on Thursday and padded practice on Friday.
The team is confident in his development and Mike McCarthy told reporters he is “definitely encouraged” and “all arrows are pointing up right now” on the chance of No.55’s return to the field against the Cardinals in week six. That would place the 24-year-old back in the middle of the Cowboys’ defense resuming the play-calling duties.
Vander Esch had a pro-bowl caliber rookie season accumulating a franchise record 176 tackles in a season, including two interceptions. He was limited in 2019 and played nine games after undergoing surgery to repair a neck issue.
His presence in Dallas’ defense was underrated but after a rocky start for the unit in 2020, it is illuminated. Vander Esch elevates those around him and possesses a leadership quality that is currently lacking. The Cowboys have surrendered the sixth-most yards per game and points per game through five games. With the absence of No.55 in the lineup, Dallas has played nickel due to injuries in the linebacker corps. with LVE and Sean Lee. The defense has struggled with only Jaylon Smith and Joe Thomas manning the middle of the defense, especially against the run, and opponents have exploited the poor communication.
Leighton Vander Esch’s return will likely spark a turnaround on defense as the group goes back to a traditional base 4-3 and bring a physicality and intensity that the squad has been missing.
