Dallas Cowboys are adding veteran LB Rashaan Evans to help replace Leighton Vander Esch

With linebacker Leighton Vander Esch out at least four to six weeks with a neck strain and headed to injured reserve, the Dallas Cowboys made a move Wednesday to shore up the depth at the position by adding veteran free agent Rashaan Evans.

Evans emerged from a group of four linebackers the Cowboys brought in for a workout, including Brandon Smith, Tanner Vallejo and Jordan Evans.

Evans was a first round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2018, the same year the Cowboys drafted Vander Esch in the first round.

Evans spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons, starting every game while recording 159 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries

Evans was unsigned throughout the offseason and then signed to the Eagles practice squad last month, but was released a few days later.

Although the Cowboys are hopeful of a Vander Esch return, coach Mike McCarthy said the team is going to approach the situation with “an abundance of caution”, giving his long history with neck injuries dating back to his college career at Boise State.

Vander Esch has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. He missed seven games in 2019 and underwent neck surgery after the season. He missed the final three games of last season with a neck injury.