Cowboys' Vander Esch week-to-week with neck injury

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett announced linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is considered week-to-week with a neck injury and won't feature in the team's Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

"Leighton was having some symptoms. We determined (he) has some issues with his neck," Garrett said. "Won't play this week. We don’t think it’s career-threatening."

Vander Esch's injury flared up in practice early this week, which prompted an MRI. He'll have another MRI in three weeks, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"We think at some point he will be back," Garrett added, per Hill. "We think it needs to calm down. Want to give it time to do that. Hopefully, we can get him back real soon."

"I see something here that doesn't come to my mind as problematic long term," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

Vander Esch has worn a neck roll since his time in Boise State. The 23-year-old played all 16 games in his rookie campaign with the Cowboys but missed Week 9 after suffering a stinger in the previous week against the Philadelphia Eagles.