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 head or neck injury. 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 diagnosed with a neck strain and is expected to miss four to six weeks. The Cowboys have placed him on injured reserve, which means he will miss at least the next four games. Vander Eschs injury is especially concerning given his history with neck injuries, including a diagnosis of spinal stenosis and surgery for the condition. The Cowboys have signed Rashaan Evans to replace Vander Esch on the roster.