The Cowboys have declined the 5th-year option on LB Leighton Vander Esch, leaving 2021 as the final year on his rookie contract. It's not a surprising move given LVE's injury issues the past 2 years (13 games missed). The decision adds upside to 1st-round pick Micah Parsons, who should find a full-time role by 2022 (if not sooner).

Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (shoulder) is expected to miss his 2nd straight game Thursday against the Titans. He did some work on the side during Tuesday's practice but likely need more time before he's game ready. Rookie Damone Clark started in LVE's place against the Eagles but played just 69% of the defensive snaps and logged 4 total tackles. Veteran LB Anthony Barr has played 2 of his 4 largest snap snares all season the past 2 weeks. He has topped out at 7 total tackles, though, and has exceeded 4 solos just once (Week 15). We wouldn't bother with any Cowboys LB other than Micah Parsons for IDP lineups in most cases.

Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy on Monday ruled LB Leighton Vander Esch out for Saturday's game against the Eagles. He also revealed that it's a shoulder injury for LVE rather than a neck issue, as originally reported. That's good news given Vander Esch's history of neck trouble. His absence this week should turn rookie LB Damone Clark into a full-timer. The 5th-round pick looks like an upside waiver-wire addition in deeper IDP leagues.

Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch hurt his neck in Sunday's OT loss to the Jaguars. That's a particularly worrisome injury for LVE, who has a history of neck issues dating back to college. We'll see about his outlook for Week 16 and beyond.

The Cowboys have ruled LB Leighton Vander Esch (ankle) out for Sunday's game against the Giants. It'll be his 2nd straight missed game. No Dallas LB other than Jaylon Smith played more than 58% of the snaps with LVE out last week against Philadelphia.

Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch is active for tonight's game against the Cardinals. It will mark his 1st action since he suffered a collarbone fracture in the opener.