The Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Injury History: A Cause for Concern Before the NFL Draft?
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the key areas of concern for the Dallas Cowboys may well be the health and longevity of their linebacker corps. Historically, the Cowboys have had a stellar defense, bolstered by standout linebacker play. However, recent seasons have been marred by an injury-plagued linebacker unit, raising questions about their durability moving forward. With the NFL Draft on the horizon, it’s crucial to examine the potential implications of the Cowboys’ linebacker injury history, the impact on team performance, and how this could influence their draft strategy.
A Brief Overview of the Cowboys’ Linebacker Situation
The Dallas Cowboys have seen a mix of stellar performances and frustrating injury struggles at the linebacker position over the last few seasons. Key players like Leighton Vander Esch, Micah Parsons, and Damone Clark have contributed to a defense that has ranked highly in recent years. However, injuries have consistently interrupted the flow and stability of this unit.
Leighton Vander Esch, once considered a cornerstone of the linebacker group, has had a series of neck injuries that have sidelined him for significant stretches of time. These injuries have cast doubt on his long-term future with the team. Micah Parsons, while undoubtedly one of the brightest young stars in the league, has also faced occasional injury setbacks, though his athleticism and versatility have allowed him to play through these injuries with success.
Despite the promise of these key players, the overall depth at the position has been a concern. If the Cowboys cannot rely on a consistent and healthy group of linebackers, their defensive performance may suffer, especially given the demands of the modern NFL, where linebackers play an essential role in both run defense and pass coverage.
The Impact of Injuries on the Cowboys’ Defense
To understand the potential long-term concerns for the Cowboys, it’s important to look at the specific injuries that have plagued their linebacker unit and the impact these injuries have had on their defensive unit.
- Leighton Vander Esch’s Neck Issues
Leighton Vander Esch was a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and quickly became a staple in the Cowboys’ linebacker core. However, his career has been hindered by neck injuries, the most concerning of which was a serious neck injury he sustained during his rookie season. Although he recovered, the recurring nature of neck injuries has raised concerns about his ability to play a full 16-game season, let alone remain a long-term fixture in the starting lineup. In 2023, Vander Esch was placed on injured reserve, missing a large portion of the season. If his injury history continues to linger, the Cowboys might be forced to consider a future without him. - Micah Parsons’ Durability and Versatility
Micah Parsons, who has quickly emerged as one of the top young linebackers in the NFL, is one of the few bright spots in the Cowboys’ linebacker unit. Parsons’ versatility allows him to be used as both a linebacker and a pass rusher, which increases his value to the defense. However, with his increased usage in a more demanding role, questions about his long-term durability come to the forefront. While Parsons has not been significantly hampered by injuries yet, the heavy toll of such a multi-faceted role could eventually catch up to him, especially as the season wears on. - Damone Clark and Other Depth Concerns
Damone Clark, a young linebacker from LSU, showed promise in his rookie season, but his development was somewhat hindered by a spinal surgery that forced him to miss most of his first year. Though he returned to the field, his injury history adds another layer of uncertainty to the linebacker group. Behind Clark, the Cowboys’ linebacker depth is relatively shallow, with a mix of unproven players and veterans who are either past their prime or lacking in consistency.
The Role of Injuries in NFL Draft Decisions
In the context of the upcoming NFL Draft, the Cowboys front office will undoubtedly be considering the injury history of their linebacker group when making decisions about how to bolster their defense. Injuries to key players can have a significant impact on the draft strategy, influencing both the team’s immediate needs and its long-term vision.
- Assessing the Depth Chart and Future Needs
While the Cowboys currently have some high-quality linebackers in Parsons and Vander Esch (when healthy), the depth behind them is questionable. If the Cowboys cannot rely on Vander Esch to stay healthy for an entire season, they may need to invest in a linebacker who can step in immediately and contribute. A healthy, reliable second- or third-round linebacker could be an ideal pick to complement the existing unit, providing both depth and potential in case of future injuries.
Additionally, given that linebacker is a position that can see a lot of wear and tear over the course of a long season, the Cowboys might look for a player with more upside who could eventually take over as a full-time starter if Vander Esch’s health continues to be a concern. This approach would help mitigate the risk of relying too heavily on any one player, especially with the high injury rate in the NFL.
- Value of Versatile Linebackers
The injury history of the Cowboys’ linebacker corps may also prompt the team to prioritize versatile linebackers in the draft. A player who can play multiple roles—such as an edge rusher, coverage linebacker, or middle linebacker—would be invaluable, providing the defense with flexibility in case of injuries to key players. Versatile linebackers are often more able to avoid injury because they are not as reliant on a single type of contact or role. Micah Parsons is a perfect example of how a versatile player can thrive, and the Cowboys may look to replicate that model in the draft. - Long-Term Strategy
With injuries being a concern at linebacker, the Cowboys may also need to look beyond this season and into the future. If Vander Esch’s injury problems continue, the team could be forced to part ways with him sooner rather than later. By drafting a young linebacker who is capable of taking over for Vander Esch or forming a future trio with Parsons, the Cowboys can better position themselves for success in the coming seasons.
Possible Draft Targets
Given the injury concerns at linebacker, the Cowboys might look to the 2025 NFL Draft to find potential contributors at the position. Some of the top linebacker prospects could provide both immediate depth and long-term value.
- Trenton Simpson (Clemson) – A versatile linebacker known for his sideline-to-sideline range and ability to rush the passer, Simpson would fit well in a Cowboys defense that values versatility. His ability to cover ground quickly would make him a solid addition to the linebacker rotation and could allow the Cowboys to mitigate injury risks with a depth-heavy strategy.
- Jack Campbell (Iowa) – Known for his intelligence and leadership on the field, Campbell could be an immediate contributor to the Cowboys defense. His instincts and ability to diagnose plays quickly would complement the Cowboys’ defensive system. Campbell’s durability and tackling ability could help solidify a linebacking group that has often been decimated by injuries.
- DeMarvion Overshown (Texas) – A more under-the-radar option, Overshown is an athletic linebacker with strong coverage skills. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs in space would provide the Cowboys with the kind of versatility they need, especially if they decide to play more nickel or dime defenses in the coming years
