Leighton Vander Esch Fantasy

The Dallas Cowboys moved linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) to the active roster on Monday and placed quarterback Dak Prescott (ankle) on Injured Reserve in a corresponding move. Vander Esch, who broke his collarbone in Week 1, is expected to play on Monday night against the Cardinals. It's great news for a Cowboys Defense that has been one of the worst through five weeks of the season. LVE is a risky IDP play in his first game back against Arizona, but when healthy, he's in the weekly consideration as a starter at the linebacker position. Avoid Dallas' D on Monday night against a Cardinals offense that can put up points in bunches.

Oct. 19th • 2:35 PM

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) is trending in the right direction of playing Monday against Arizona, per head coach Mike McCarthy. Vander Esch sustained a broken collarbone during Week 1 and has been sidelined since. Even if the Cowboys eventually get the former Pro Bowl linebacker back in the mix, the combination of the teams shaky defensive production this season and matchup against a high-octane Cardinals offense makes them an extremely risky fantasy play. Looking ahead, Dallas has matchups with Washington and Philadelphia on the horizon, so if Vander Esch is able to make a tangible difference upon his return, the Cowboys Defense could work its way back into consideration moving forward.

Oct. 17th • 4:49 PM

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) is expected to put in a full practice on Thursday, which would put him in line to make his return on Monday night against the Cardinals. Vander Esch has been out since he broke his collarbone in Week 1. Dallas' defense needs all the help they can get, as they've been one of the worst all-around defensive units in football through five weeks of the 2020 season. It remains to be seen if LVE will be eased back in if he returns against Arizona, but the 23-year-old should eventually be in play as a potential IDP starter at the position once he's back to playing a full complement of snaps in the middle of the Cowboys Defense. Against a high-flying Cardinals attack, look to fade the Cowboys defense in Week 6, regardless of whether Vander Esch plays.

Oct. 15th • 1:14 PM