IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys won two games without Sean Lee in the middle.
But don't think for a second they won't be eager to get him back on the field. And that scenario is a likely one, according to head coach Jason Garrett. On Tuesday, he sounded optimistic about getting Lee back in the middle for next Monday's showdown with the Bears.
"Yeah, we'll see what he does," Garrett said of Lee. "But he made some progress. With each of these guys, we have to see how they do during the practice week. But we have to take that day-by-day. But (with Lee), there are certainly some positive signs."
Lee suffered a hamstring injury against the Saints and did not return. He had the bye week and then missed the last two games, with Ernie Sims filing in the middle.
After the Cowboys' 31-24 win over the Raiders last Thursday, Lee said he expected to play against the Bears on Dec. 9.
"That's definitely the plan," Lee said. "I think I'll be on track to play that game. I can't have any more setbacks and I think I've put in good work to be there."
Such good work, Garrett says he's never see a player try so many things to get back on the field.
"Sean is a great football for a lot of different reasons but maybe first and foremost is his desire and love for the game," Garrett said. "Whenever a guy like that gets hurt, he's chomping at the bit to get back. He wasn't ready to play last week. He's doing everything he can to get himself ready. He's got more ointments, chambers, whatever the heck he takes … as anyone I've ever been around. He's doing that and more to get back. It comes down to his passion for the game."
Garrett said it's a fine line with players who want to come back, but the team has to make the smartest decision for the players, regardless of the circumstances that often surround the situation. [embedded_ad]
"We simply have to do the right thing as a medical staff, as a coaching staff and as an organization to play guys when they're ready to play, regardless what they say. They have a say, but they're part of the discussion. We have to do the right things." In other injury news, Garrett said he's hopeful for guys such as Dwayne Harris (hamstring), Justin Durant (hamstring), Morris Claiborne (hamstring) and DeVonte Holloman (neck).
