The Dallas Cowboys have been without the services of Pro Bowl linebacker Sean Lee over the last three games due to a nagging hamstring injury.

Lee has taken some major steps forward over the last couple of days that has seen him put a full practice under his belt on Thursday that has him on track return to the field for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Defensive end Randy Gregory (knee), defensive lineman David Irving (not injury related), defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (shoulder) and weakside linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring) all went through full practices.

Lee, the team’s defensive leader, is expected to return after missing the past three games.

The return of Lee should provide a major boost defensively as he has proven to be their anchor in the front seven over the last several years. His impact has been felt greatly on that side of the ball whenever he has been sidelined with injuries in the past during the course of his career. However, the presence of linebackers Jaylon Smith and rookie Leighton Vander Esch have each stepped up their play in his absence providing much-needed stability.

In fact, they have been key parts in helping push the Cowboys rank second in the league allowing just 17.2 points per game. This shouldn't minimize Lee being back in the fold as he has proven to be the quarterback of the defense when he is on the field that has demonstrated to have a huge impact against the run.

The Cowboys are set to take the field for a crucial NFC East division matchup that could be pivotal to determining how things play out over the rest of the season for the division title. With Lee possibly lining up in the middle of their defense once again, it could play a crucial part in the outcome of Sunday's game.