Leighton Vander Esch, a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, suffered a neck injury during the teams Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He collided with teammate Micah Parsons and was evaluated for a neck injury on the field. Vander Esch has a history of neck issues, having missed seven games in 2019 and undergoing surgery after the season. He also missed the final three games of last season with a neck injury. After undergoing an MRI and other tests, Vander Esch was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury. He is expected to miss four to six weeks, which means he will miss at least the next four games. The Cowboys have a bye week after their game against the Los Angeles Chargers, which could put Vander Eschs return at Nov. 19 at the Carolina Panthers or as late as Nov. 30 against the Seattle Seahawks. In Vander Eschs absence, the Cowboys will need more from several players, including practice squad linebacker Malik Jefferson and veteran linebacker Rashaan Evans, who was signed to the practice squad this week.