It was a rough night for the Dallas Cowboys as they were thoroughly dominated by the San Francisco 49ers 42-10 on Sunday Night Football.
Adding insult to injury, they once again lost their playmaking linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to injury.
Vander Esch is one of the real leaders and heartbeats on Dallas’ defense, but unfortunately, he can never seem to stay healthy.
Vander Esch was injured in the fourth quarter of the blowout loss … But upon further review, it looks like he may have been a victim of a cheap-shot by 49ers All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.
Trent Williams somehow gets away with everything on the field:
From block in the back, to punching opponents in the face.
Dirty dirty play.
(📸 @CootsBrandon) pic.twitter.com/zXPPTcJdGj
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 9, 2023
You be the judge…
Leighton Vander Esch injured Trent Williams injures Vander Esch Cowboys vs 49ers pic.twitter.com/iFe1Jxtnfh
— Trebornotslar (@Trebornotslar) October 9, 2023
Despite the initial alarm, Vander Esch did manage to walk off the field under his own power, which was great to see.
However, instead of returning to the sidelines, he was escorted directly to the X-ray room for further evaluation.
He’s a dirty player. Always has been
— NFL Highs (@frito_paw) October 9, 2023
According to Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News, Vander Esch’s X-rays came back negative.
He’s expected to undergo further testing today in Dallas.
The injury to Vander Esch has taken on a particularly ominous tone due to his history of neck injuries, dating back to his college career.
The entire niners team is dirty lol. Hope they choke again this year
— ArenTheRamsGuy (@ArenTenkerian) October 9, 2023
Vander Esch’s presence on the field has been instrumental for the Cowboys defense.
As the team awaits more information on the extent of the injury, Dallas can only hope that it’s not too serious as they are starting to get awfully thin at linebacker.
It’s my favorite time of year again, 49ers fans. Cowboys week is finally here. pic.twitter.com/2Pl2fiV0wy
— East Bay Chris (@EastBayChris) October 2, 2023
What’s the verdict?
Do you think it was a cheap-shot by Williams?
Or was it just a “football play” that unfortunately ended in injury?