The Dallas Cowboys plan to sign linebacker Rashaan Evans to their practice squad following a workout on Wednesday.
This move is aimed at filling the impending vacancy created by linebacker Vander Esch's shift to injured reserve due to a neck injury sustained in the last week's loss to the 49ers.
Vander Esch's diagnosis revealed a neck strain, necessitating his placement on injured reserve for at least four games, with indications pointing to a four- to six-week rehabilitation period.
His history of neck issues, which caused him to miss seven games in 2019 and three games in the previous year, is prompting the Cowboys to take a cautious approach to his return.
Rashaan Evans, a 2018 first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, spent the last season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he amassed 159 tackles.
The Cowboys are facing a shortage of linebackers and are contemplating a role change for Micah Parsons, potentially shifting him to an off-the-ball position he played during his rookie year.
However, this shift would divert him from his primary role as a pass rusher, which is considered his greatest strength.
The Cowboys also have Damone Clark and Markquese Bell, a former safety, in their linebacker roster, and their defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, has employed other safeties in hybrid roles.