Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirms Leighton Vander Esch out for season with neck injury

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed reports on Tuesday that veteran linebacker Leighton Vander Esch would be out the remainder of the season due to a neck injury, adding that there is now concern about his future in football. 

During his weekly appearance on KRLD, Jones called reports about Vander Esch’s status with the team "accurate." 

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch leaves the field after an injury during the San Francisco 49ers game at Levi's Stadium. (Kyle Terada-USA Today Sports)

The 27-year-old linebacker was eligible to come off injured reserve this week after being sidelined since Oct. 8. 

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"We had just completely left it up to how he was evolving. But of course, it's a very significant loss for us," Jones said. "He's an integral part of that defense out there. But we just wish him well." 

Vander Esch was injured during a Week 5 game against the San Francisco 49ers when he was shoved from behind and jammed his neck into the leg of teammate Micah Parsons. Jones did not reveal the extent of his injury, but said there is concern about the "long term."

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason runs past Dallas Cowboys linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Micah Parsons at Levi's Stadium. (Kyle Terada-USA Today Sports)

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"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 relative to the team. It has everything to do with what's in his best interest."