From the looks of his left wrist on Monday, one would likely assume linebacker Sean Lee will be watching Sunday's game with the Seahawks from the sidelines.
Then again, despite a left wrist dislocation, Lee said he was optimistic of his chances to play against Seattle, but vowed to be smart with the decision.
After seeing a hand/wrist specialist on Sunday, Lee said the injury was what they thought – a dislocation that occurred when he wrist bone collided with Michael Vick's helmet on the last play of the first quarter. Lee jogged off the field and into the locker room but never returned to the game.
"It was a painful injury," Lee said. "I knew right away it was something. But I'm optimistic I can play this week. I really won't know until later in the week."
As of this week, Lee said he's hopeful the swelling will subside enough to let him play against the Seahawks, likely with a supportive cast.
"I want to play but if it's not ready I have to be careful," Lee said. "If I did something else to make it worse, I could be out for a while. So I need to be smart. If I can play, I want to, but if it's not a good idea, I need to listen and make a smart decision."
So far this year, Lee has been one of the team's most productive players, leading the Cowboys with 72 tackles, which heading into Sunday's game with the Eagles, was more than 40 ahead of the next-closest player. Lee also leads the team with three interceptions, tackles for loss (four) and fumble recoveries (two).
"It's disappointing anytime you get hurt," Lee said. "This is an important part of the season and we need to be playing our best. Hopefully I won't be out long or not at all."
If Lee is out, the Cowboys would likely turn to veteran starters Bradie James and Keith Brooking again, although rookie Bruce Carter should get more snaps in the regular defense, after making his NFL debut Sunday night on special teams. The Cowboys also have rookie linebacker Orie Lemon on the practice squad.
