The Dallas Cowboys have ventured the last couple of weeks without the services of former Pro Bowl linebacker Sean Lee due to a hamstring injury.

In his absence, it has seen their pair of young linebackers in Jaylon Smith and rookie Leighton Vander Esch both step up to provide some tremendous stability for the Cowboys at the position. With that in mind, team owner Jerry Jones has voiced that Lee will get his starting spot back once he is able to return to the field.

Lee has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that has limited his availability on the field as he has struggled to stay healthy this year. This is the second time that he has dealt with the injury this season that has forced him to be out of the mix. He has played in just five games this season where he has recorded 27 total tackles with 0.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection.

Throughout the last several years, Lee has been a critical part of the defense as his presence has made a huge impact on the overall play of the defense. However, the play of Smith and Vander Esch has provided some much-needed stability with not only raising the play of the team defensively but filling the void left by Lee's absence. The Cowboys have struggled over the years defensively, but have appeared to have the personnel in place where it is the strong point of the team among the best units in the league.

It has largely been the reason for their continued rise up the standing over the last few weeks that has seen him take control of the NFC East. This was all highlighted by their masterful performance against the New Orleans Saints' high-powered offense last Thursday in a pivotal 13-10. Ultimately, what these comments from Jones indicate is that Lee's role will remain the same upon his return.