Leighton Vander Esch, Blake Jarwin among injured Dallas Cowboys ruled out
In the first half, Vander Esch suffered what a source said is a broken collarbone, although it is not a season-ending type of injury. A determination on surgery will be made after getting further tests Monday, according to the source.
Starting tight end Blake Jarwin and backup offensive tackle Cameron Erving were ruled out to begin the second half because of knee injuries.
Jarwin likely has a torn ACL with an MRI planned, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Ed Werder. The Dallas Morning News first reported the nature of Jarwin’s injury.
Dallas signed Jarwin to a four-year extension with big plans for him under new coach Mike McCarthy after Jason Witten left in free agency.
The Cowboys’ defense was on the field for 23 plays in the first quarter Sunday, allowing an opening-drive touchdown. The second drive ended with a missed field goal attempt. Vander Esch was not credited with a tackle.
Because of a neck injury, Vander Esch was playing in his first game since Week 10 last season. Television replays showed the Cowboys’ medical staff testing Vander Esch’s neck. He had offseason neck surgery but said he felt fine throughout training camp.
Vander Esch took over as the middle linebacker this season, switching positions with Jaylon Smith, and is serving as the defensive signal-caller.
With Sean Lee on injured reserve and missing the first three games because of a pelvis issue, the Cowboys have veteran Joe Thomas and Justin March, who is mostly a special-teamer, in reserve. Luke Gifford is among the team’s inactives, and he was dealing with a hamstring issue.
Jarwin reached for his right knee after falling to the ground while running a route in the opening half. That came just a play or two after he caught a 12-yard pass.
Erving appeared to have his knee rolled up on while he was blocking on special teams.