Why Sean Lee is anxious to return, find a role with ‘unbelievable’ Leighton Vander Esch

Dallas Cowboys weakside linebacker Sean Lee, who missed six games this season, including the last three with a hamstring injury, hopes to return for the Dec. 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

At least, that’s his target date.

But instead of having to come to the rescue of a defense that has traditionally failed in his absence, Lee will be returning to a top 10 unit that has seen no drop off without him.

And that in itself is exciting to the 10-year veteran, who is most thrilled with the play of rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who leads the team with 119 tackles. Lee wants to join in the fun on defense and contribute to a push to the playoffs.

“It’s great. It’s fun to watch. It motivates me to get back because I want to be a part of such a great group, not only as a defense but the linebacker group, just playing the way they are,” he said. “That is a dream for me to be able to play in a group like this. I have worked this for a lot of years. So being able to be part of this something I want, especially with the opportunity to go the playoffs and hopefully beyond. Seeing this group come into their own and make plays is exciting and something I want to get back to and try to help them.”

Again, Lee is targeting the Eagles game on Dec. 9 after the Cowboys get a 10-day break following Thursday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints. His goal is not to just get on the field, but to stay on the field. He missed three games earlier the season with a hamstring injury, returned to play two before re-aggravating the injury against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 5, which forced him to miss the past three games.

“Hopefully we can get through this break and see where I am at, probably Monday of next week and see if can get back on the practice field,” Lee said. “I will listen to the trainers. I am just excited to be part of this group down the stretch. We have a lot of ahead of us. A great opportunity. I want to get back and hopefully stay. That is the key thing is be able to stay on the field.”

When Lee does return, the question becomes how will he fit in with Vander Esch vying for rookie of the year honors at his weakside linebacker position and Jaylon Smith providing a hammer at middle linebacker.

Owner Jerry Jones has suggested that Lee will rotate with Vander Esch. There is also the possibility of them moving Vander Esch to the strong side in place on Damien Wilson in an effort to get the best three linebackers on the field.

Lee says the Cowboys will find a way to make it work.

“We’ll see what they want to do,” Lee said. “I know if I’m healthy I can make plays on the football field and help this team win. Whatever role that will be, we’ll find out. I have to stay healthy. That’s the thing. I can’t be in and out. I’ve got to be able to put the games together, stay on the football field, put practices together week in and week out. That’s my goal now, but I know if I can do that I can make plays and help this team win.

“Yeah, I think we’ll find a way to get guys on the football field. Like I said, we’ll figure it out. I just want to be part of this group as we continue to move forward. We know we have a lot of players who can help us win. We’ve got to continue to improve and I think we will.”

What Lee knows is that Vander Esch has been great in his absence and there will be no backward steps with him. He has been impressed with the rookie first-round pick from Boise State but he is not surprised as he has studied him since before the draft and has watched him develop in OTAs, minicamp and training camp.

“Just incredible. Unbelievable football player,” Lee said. “Great guy. Great teammate. To be able to do what he’s done as a rookie is incredible. Just the instincts. The athleticism he plays with. The preparation he puts in. It’s been fun to watch. He’s a great player and he’s going to be on to great things because he continues to play.

“I think every game he has played he found a way to improve. And he is a natural. The guy is a natural football player. Whether comes to instincts, his athleticism. He has been able to improve game in and game out. Picks himself up quickly. He is an incredible athlete. He is on his way to having an incredible career. It’s fun to watch, how he works. It’s been a blessing to be around a guy like that, a rookie who cares like he does and works like he does.”

This story was originally published November 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM.