The Dallas Cowboys have placed two of their key starters on the injured reserve ahead of Monday night’s clash with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Per Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and cornerback/special teams player C.J. Goodwin were placed on the injured reserve. Gehlken added that linebaker Tyrus Wheat was signed and added to the 53-man roster, and that rookie corner Nashon Wright will debut tonight.
Vander Esch and Goodwin were both hurt in the Cowboys’ Week 5 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Vander Esch suffered a neck injury, and Goodwin suffered a torn pectoral muscle that might keep him out for the remainder of the season.
A veteran key cog in the Cowboys’ front seven, Vander Esch had 30 combined tackles and one fumble recovery (returned for a touchdown) prior to his injury. Vander Esch was named to the Pro Bowl in his 2018 rookie season after racking up 140 combined tackles, two interceptions and seven pass defenses.
Goodwin is in his sixth season with the Cowboys. He’s been a rotational cornerback on defense but is a key member of the special teams unit, starting 66 percent or more of the club’s defensive snaps every year in games he suited up for since 2019.
Prior to his injury, Goodwin had played in two-thirds of available special teams snaps for the Cowboys, and five percent of their defensive snaps.
