DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is "not slated to play" Sunday against the New England Patriots because of a back issue, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday.
#Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch is not expected to practice tomorrow because of a back issue, source said. The team will continue to monitor it, but at this point, he's not slated to play Sunday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 21, 2019
However, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reports that Vander Esch is still dealing with a neck injury that forced him to miss the Cowboys week 9 win over the New York Giants.
Gehlken reports Vander Esch underwent an MRI today for further evaluation following a "flare-up."
The second-year pro wasn't on the injury report Wednesday or today, so it's unknown when he suffered the injury.
The Cowboys linebacker depth could be an issue Sunday as Joe Thomas has missed practice this week with an undisclosed illness. It's currently unknown if he's expected to play.
Justin March and Luke Gifford are the other linebackers on the team's roster.
