Jason Garrett says Cowboys don’t think Leighton Vander Esch injury is career-threatening

Jason Garrett met with the press for the final time this week as the Cowboys prepare for their game with the Patriots. (All answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes).

Talk about the injury to Leighton Vander Esch

He had symptoms yesterday so we had it checked out and determined it was an issue with his neck. He will not be available this week, but we don’t think it’s career-threatening. We think he will be back and we’re taking it week-by-week. We think it just needs time to calm down, the inflammation. It stems from the injury a few weeks ago, he had no symptoms, but then started to get a similar feeling.

Status of La’el Collins and Joe Thomas

La’el Collins should practice today, Joe Thomas is feeling better but he may not practice.

How will you work out playing time with Sean Lee and Joe Thomas

We’ll figure that out as we move closer to the game.

The mental challenge of facing the Pats for Joe Thomas after missing two days of practice?

We believe in practice but sometimes players can’t go. Joe is a veteran and a smart player and we’ll try to get him caught up. You try your best given the circumstances, we certainly don’t want him to practice sick and be around other players while sick.

Donovan Wilson?

Same thing with the illness but he could practice today.

Talk about the decision to move Collins to right tackle

He was a tackle in college, we felt like he had the traits to play that position. It’s a valuable position and we thought he could do it well. It’s worked out.