Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch can be activated off of injured reserve as early as the team's Week 10 matchup against the Panthers on Nov. 19, but his chances of returning this season aren't a certainty.
Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones was asked about Vander Esch's recovery when he joined the K&C Masterpiece on Monday following Dallas' loss to the Eagles on Sunday in Philadelphia.
“That’s still a question mark as to when or will he come back this year. I think that’s a work in progress. But it certainly won’t be this week, or for that matter, probably (not) in the next couple weeks," Jones said.
Vander Esch injured his neck when 49ers left tackle Trent Williams blocked Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons into the linebacker, resulting in Vander Esch’s helmet appearing to jam into Parsons' side.
At the time of the injury, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported that 'there is hope' that Vander Esch could be designated to return later this season.
Vander Esch, who has been dealing with neck issues since his time at Boise State, had neck surgery in Dec. 2019 after being diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis. The injury limited him to just nine games during the 2019 season. He missed three games in 2022 due to a neck stinger, which was reportedly unrelated to his previous injury.
Vander Esch, who signed a two-year deal, $11 million deal with Dallas in the offseason, was ranked second on the team with 20 total tackles when he was injured.