Cowboys at Jets: LB Vander Esch will start after bout with vertigo

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is active and plans to start today's game at the New York Jets after spending the week batting a bout of vertigo.

Vander Esch, the team's first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and a budding star, was sent home from the team's headquarters at The Star in Frisco on Wednesday and did not practice. On Thursday, he was in the building but did not practice with the team, as the medical staff instead had him working outside an on his own. By Friday, Vander Esch was listed as a "full participant,'' apparently having overcome the vertigo, which is an inner-ear problem that can result in dizziness.

The 3-2 Cowboys are heavy favorites over the winless Jets, but New York has a threat in running back Le’Veon Bell, who is on pace for career-highs in targets (128) and catches (108). Meanwhile, the Dallas defense has in five games permitted 431 rushing yards (4.59 per carry) and the league’s fifth-most receiving yards to enemy backs (56.4 per game).

In last week's 34-24 Packers' win at Dallas, running back Aaron Jones amassed four touchdowns and 182 total yards, with seven receptions and 75 receiving yards.

Vander Esch's linebacker partner Jaylon Smith’s admits their group hasn't played up to expectations yet.

“No,” Smith said. "We’re looking to get back on track.”

A healthy Vander Esch figures to help that cause greatly.