The 2020 NFL season already got off to a rough start for the Dallas Cowboys following their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. Injuries have now begun to pile on for the linebacker corps to kick things off.
According to Jane Slater of NFL Network, linebacker Sean Lee is expected to miss at least six weeks after undergoing hernia surgery:
Sources: #Cowboys LB Sean Lee is expected to be out six weeks after undergoing hernia surgery last week in Philadelphia with noted specialist Dr. William Meyers. Lee started the season on injured reserve and now is looking at a mid-October return.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 16, 2020
Lee had already started the season on injured reserve due to the injury with hopes that he would only be out for the minimum of three weeks. However, the recent update indicates that he will not return to the field until some point in mid-October.
The update on Lee only raises further questions regarding the state of the linebacker corps since Leighton Vander-Esch is also expected to miss 6-8 weeks after suffering a broken collarbone during the 20-17 loss to the Rams. The Cowboys are now dealing with a serious lack of depth at the second level of their defense with Joe Thomas now expected to take on an increased role.
The Cowboys may need to consider bringing in some outside help to fill the void that will be left by Lee and Vander-Esch for what appears to be half the season. Among the notable free agent candidates is linebacker Clay Matthews given his experience and familiarity with head coach Mike McCarthy from their time on the Green Bay Packers.
For now, the onus will fall on Thomas to serve as a stabilizing factor heading into their Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
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