Dallas Cowboys: Sean Lee ruled out vs. the Rams

The Dallas Cowboys will have to face the Los Angeles Rams without their best defensive player, two-time Pro Bowler Sean Lee.

At the very heart of the Dallas Cowboys defensive resurgence this season has been one defender. And that man is linebacker Sean Lee. Unfortunately, the Cowboys will be without their starting weakside linebacker when they play the Los Angeles Rams later today due to a hamstring injury.

Without Lee, the Cowboys going into the Week Four matchup with only four healthy linebackers. Those players being Jaylon Smith, Kyle Wilber, Damien Wilson and Justin Durant. The latter is expected to replace Lee in the starting lineup.

In case of an emergency, fullback Keith Smith is available to play at linebacker today against Los Angeles, as it was the position he held before being shifted to the offensive side of the ball.

Also joining Lee on the inactives list for Sunday’s contest are linebacker Anthony Hitchens, running back Darren McFadden, cornerback Nolan Carroll, defensive back Chidobe Awuzie and defensive end Charles Tapper.

Without Lee, the Cowboys lose one of their most consistent and devastating tacklers. The eighth-year pro racked up a whopping 145 tackles last season, as well as secured his second bid to the Pro Bowl.

Lee has had a history of injuries that have limited his overall career, but he has been able to stay relatively healthy the past two seasons. The fact the Cowboys coaching staff decided to switch him from middle linebacker to the weakside is partly credited for his lasting availability.

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Although Lee’s absence will sting, it’s not all bad news when it comes to players who were considered questionable for this matchup with the Rams. Starting left guard Chaz Green is expected to play despite landing on the Cowboys final injury report. Green was unable to practice on Friday due to a hip injury.