Yahoo Sports Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch done for year, will undergo neck surgery
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch will undergo a “minimally invasive” neck surgery in the coming weeks to fix a lingering nerve issue, and will miss the rest of the season, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Vander Esch has missed the Cowboys’ past five games with a bulging disk after taking a shot in the Oct. 20 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and has been listed as “week to week” since. The surgery is set to take place next month, and Vander Esch is expected to be healthy for training camp next summer.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch to undergo “minimally invasive” neck surgery next month, source said. Vander Esch said Sunday he hoped to return for playoffs if team qualified. MRI today set him on different path. But full recovery expected before camp. https://t.co/NhbKahGJ9c
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 23, 2019
Vander Esch has played in nine games this season, last taking the field in Week 11 for Dallas’ win against the Detroit Lions. He was sidelined ahead of the Cowboys’ game against the New England Patriots after the neck injury “flared up.” While Garrett said at the time his injury was not “career threatening,” an injury to the neck area is always scary.
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Dallas ends the regular season against the Washington Redskins on Sunday afternoon at home. With the Cowboys’ 17-9 loss to the Eagles on Sunday in Philly, Dallas lost control of the NFC East and can be eliminated with a loss or a Philadelphia victory in its Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants.
The 23-year-old finished the year with 72 total tackles. He racked up 140 total tackles and two interceptions as a rookie last year with the Cowboys, picking up a Pro Bowl nod.
Xavier Su’a-Filo done after broken leg, surgery
After going down in the Cowboys’ loss to the Eagles on Sunday, offensive lineman Xavier Su’a-Filo is done for the season after suffering a broken bone in his lower leg, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Jason Garrett confirms LVE is out for the season and Xavier Su’a-Filo has a broken bone in his lower leg and is having surgery today. He’s out for the season.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) December 23, 2019
Su’a-Filo went down early with what was called a knee injury Sunday in Philadelphia, though later returned to the game. The 28-year-old didn’t last long, departing just plays later. He left the stadium on crutches and in a protective boot.
He underwent surgery on Monday for the broken leg.
Su’a-Filo has played in 11 games for the Cowboys this season, his second with the team and sixth in the league after spending his first four years with the Houston Texans.
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