Leighton Vander Esch Retirement Rumor: Source Reveals Dallas Cowboys LB Thinking

Leighton Vander Esch Retirement Rumor: Source Reveals Dallas Cowboys LB Thinking

FRISCO - Leighton Vander Esch being ruled out for the rest of the season due to his neck injury is not a surprise; as CowboysSI.com reported over the weekend, there was "skepticism'' about the ideas of the standout linebacker returning to the field this year for the Dallas Cowboys.

But now, as Cowboys owner on Tuesday not only confirmed that but also hinted at the possibility of Vander Esch retirement, a source close to the situation is providing insight into the player's present thinking.

"Premature,'' the source said. "We're a long way from that decision.''

That bit of clarity - however temporary it might end up being - comes on the heels of Jones calling the end to Vander Esch's season "such a very significant loss for us.''

Said Jones on 105.3 The Fan: "He's an integral part of that defense out there. We just wish him well, and just the nature of his potential injury here causes me to really think longer term and beyond what it means for next week or beyond what it means for next month. It has everything to do with what's best in his interest."

And obviously, that is where the concept of retirement becomes a natural question.

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Vander Esch, 27, got hurt on Oct. 8 in the loss at the 49ers and was therefore eligible to come off injured reserve this week. But he's not healthy yet, and the Cowboys will not open up that window for return this season.

Vander Esch, the team's first-round pick in 2018 and a Pro Bowler as a rookie, has a history of battling through neck issues. 

The Cowboys, who prefer to use Micah Parsons mostly on the edge, have made some adjustments at linebacker in his stead, with Damone Clark taking over his spot and with converted safeties Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas developing into hybrid helpers for the unit. They also recently signed a former first-rounder, Rashaan Evans, "off the couch,'' and he figures into the rest-of-the-season plans.

Said coach Mike McCarthy of what to do with Evans and the rest: "The personnel decision is definitely in front of us. We have some decisions to make."

And, on a completely different plane, eventually, so does Leighton Vander Esch.