The Dallas Cowboys finally started to get back key contributors on their defense in the last several weeks. In Week 5, Cornerback Anthony returned after missing three games with a rib issue. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch would make his way back to the field a week later after suffering a broken collarbone in the season opener vs the Los Angeles Rams.
As the Cowboys get ready to hit the road to face the rival Philadelphia Eagles with first place in the NFC East on the line another important link on the Cowboys defensive chain is making his long-awaited return. Two-time Pro Bowler Sean Lee will make his season debut after having surgery to repair a sports hernia issue just before the season began.
Lee’s return is desperately needed as the Cowboys have been awful defensively in the first seven games. They rank 27th in yards (408.1) and 32nd in rushing yards (178.3) and points (34.7) allowed per game.
The Cowboys are hoping that their elder statesman at the linebacker position can continue what he did in 2019. For the first time since entering the NFL in 2010, Lee played in all 16 games (13 starts) for the Cowboys and preformed very well registering 86 tackles, four forced fumbles, a sack, and an interception.
His best stretch came in back to back division games around mid-season. In Week 7, after Vander Esch went down with a neck issue, Lee was arguably the best player on the field defensively for the Cowboys as he tied for the team lead with seven tackles in a 37-10 victory over the Eagles. After the bye week, Lee once again was lights out vs the New York Giants in Week 9, tying for the team lead with 12 tackles in the Cowboys 37-18 beatdown of their division rival.
With Lee’s injury history it’s not hard to see why many wouldn’t be optimistic about his return. However, with the current state of affairs surrounding the Cowboys defense, any help is appreciated at this point. Now the hope is that the injury gods are kind to Lee as he attempts to help salvage what has become one of the league’s worst defenses.
