Somehow, the playoffs still aren't out of the question for the Dallas Cowboys. But, getting a playoff spot just got a lot harder as they will be without linebacker Leighton Vander Esch for at least the least game of the year. He would miss the playoffs if the Cowboys make it that far.

Vander Esch injured his neck back in week 7 against the Eagles. He sat out the following week against the Giants, but was able to return a week later against the Vikings.

He ended up reaggravating the injury against the Lions back in week 11 and hasn't seen the field since. And he won't for a while as he will be having neck surgery.

In the one and a half seasons Vander Esch has been one of the better linebackers in the league posting stats:

  • 212 tackles
  • 2 interceptions
  • 10 passes defended

The hope is Vander Esch will be ready by spring for some off season workouts.

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