Cowboys vs. Rams: Linebackers highlight final injury report

The Dallas Cowboys will test their depth at linebacker as starter Leighton Vander Esch and his primary backup, Sean Lee, appear on the team’s final injury report.

With the fate of the NFC East on the line, the Dallas Cowboys face a difficult matchup against a surging Los Angeles Rams team this Sunday. This is the same Rams squad that ousted the Cowboys in the divisional round of the playoffs last year. And now, Los Angeles threatens to prevent Dallas from making a postseason appearance at all this season.

The Cowboys have no one to blame but themselves for their current place in the standings. Despite having a disappointing 6-7 record, they currently sit atop their division with only three games to go. And that’s only because they play in the NFC East, undoubtedly the worst division in the NFL.

Both the 2-11 New York Giants and the 3-10 Washington Redskins have already been eliminated from playoff contention. While the 6-7 Philadelphia Eagles are tied with the Cowboys in the standings, but lost to Dallas back in Week 7 giving America’s Team a slight edge. Both teams will face off in Week 16 in a game that could determine the NFC East champions.

But first, the Cowboys have a looming matchup against the Rams. Los Angeles has won three of their last four games, and five of their last seven. The Rams currently have an 8-5 record while Dallas has yet to beat a single team with a .500 record or better so far this season.

And the Cowboys will have to try to keep their small lead in the division by defeating Los Angeles without starting linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who will miss his fourth-straight due to a neck injury. That according to the team’s final injury report that was released on Friday.

Also listed as questionable for the pivotal matchup was Vander Esch’s primary backup, two-time Pro Bowler Sean Lee. The 33-year old linebacker has been dealing with both pectoral and thigh injuries and did not practice at all this past week. If Lee is unable to go on Sunday, expect veteran Joe Thomas to start alongside Jaylon Smith. Linebackers Justin March and Luke Gifford should see increased playing time as well.

Joining Lee as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Rams is defensive end Michael Bennett. The 34-year old is dealing with a foot injury, and did not practice at all on Friday after being limited earlier in the week.

While the Dallas Cowboys will attempt to overcome their losing streak against teams with winning records this weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles will play the aforementioned struggling 3-10 Washington Redskins in Landover, Maryland on Sunday.