Sources - Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch could miss 4-6 weeks - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch could miss four to six weeks because of a neck strain suffered in Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple sources.

Coach Mike McCarthy said Vander Esch is likely headed to injured reserve, which means he would miss at least the next four games. After next week's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Cowboys have their bye, which could put Vander Esch's return at Nov. 19 at the Carolina Panthers or as late as Nov. 30 against the Seattle Seahawks.

He has a history of neck issues, missing seven games in 2019 and undergoing surgery after the season. He missed the final three games of last season with a neck injury. He suffered this injury with 13:59 left in the fourth quarter when he was pushed from behind and collided with Micah Parsons' leg.

X-rays taken at the stadium were negative, and Vander Esch had an MRI and other tests performed Monday.

«High caution is in place here,» McCarthy said.

The Cowboys entered the season inexperienced and thin at linebacker. Rookie DeMarvion Overshown suffered a torn ACL in the preseason, which moved Markquese Bell from safety to linebacker. Second-year linebacker Damone Clark is playing through a shoulder injury. In the past two games, the Cowboys elevated linebacker Malik Jefferson from the practice squad, and last week they added Mikel Jones to the practice squad, but both were mostly special teams roles.

McCarthy said the Cowboys are exploring the possibility of adding a veteran.

«In our personnel meeting we touched on some potential opportunities,» McCarthy said, «but we just want to make sure we have all of the information before we head down that road.»

Because defensive coordinator Dan Quinn