Free-agent LB Leighton Vander Esch (Cowboys) is retiring from the NFL after six seasons, according to sources Monday, March 18.

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) was released with a failed physical designation on Friday, March 15.

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) is reportedly dealing with a neck injury, which is at least the fourth documented one he has suffered since 2016. To that end, team owner Jerry Jones recently met with Vander Esch's agent to discuss his client's future. "It's divorced from a decision of football. In his case, football is a big part of his life and his professional life and his career. It has to do with his long-term well-being and long-term life," Jones told Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) will miss the remainder of the season, and his career is in question, due to a neck injury.

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) and CB C.J. Goodwin (pectoral) were placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Oct. 16.

Dallas Cowboys OT Chuma Edoga (illness) did not practice on Saturday, Oct. 14, and is questionable for Week 6. Also, S Juanyeh Thomas (hamstring) did not practice and is doubtful, CB C.J. Goodwin (pectoral) and LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck, concussion) did not practice and have been ruled out and LB Markquese Bell (shoulder), C Tyler Biadasz (ankle), LB Damone Clark (shoulder), DT Neville Gallimore (knee), DT Johnathan Hankins (rest, illness), S Malik Hooker (shoulder), RB Tony Pollard (shoulder), OT Tyron Smith (rest, knee), WR KaVontae Turpin (ankle), S Donovan Wilson (ankle) and CB Nahshon Wright (ankle) practiced in full and were removed from the injury report.

Dallas Cowboys OT Chuma Edoga (illness), CB C.J. Goodwin (pectoral), DT Johnathan Hankins (illness), S Juanyeh Thomas (hamstring) and LB Leighton Vander Esch (concussion, neck) did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 13. LB Damone Clark (shoulder) was limited during practice. LB Markquese Bell (shoulder), C Tyler Biadasz (ankle), DT Neville Gallimore (knee), S Malik Hooker (shoulder), OT Tyron Smith (knee), WR Kavontae Turpin (ankle), S Donovan Wilson (ankle) and CB Nahshon Wright (ankle) fully participated in practice.

Dallas Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore (rest), CB C.J. Goodwin (pectoral), DT Johnathan Hankins (rest), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (rest), OG Zack Martin (rest), OT Tyron Smith (knee, rest), S Juanyeh Thomas (hamstring), WR KaVontae Turpin (ankle) and LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck, concussion) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 12. In addition, LB Damone Clark (shoulder), DT Neville Gallimore (knee) and RB Tony Pollard (shoulder) were limited and LB Markquese Bell (shoulder), C Tyler Biadasz (ankle), S Malik Hooker (shoulder), S Donovan Wilson (ankle) and CB Nahshon Wright (ankle) were full participants.

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) is expected to be placed on the Reserve/Injured list, according to sources Thursday, Oct. 12.

Updating a previous report, Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) likely will be placed on the Reserve/Injured list because of his injury, but the team hopes he will be able to return later in the season, according to a source.