For Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys, the work week always includes Saturday. So while the media may try to use his Friday virtual press conference as a last check-in on the team’s plans heading into gameday, the coach knows it’s way too early to make any ironclad guarantees about who’s in or who’s out 48 whole hours ahead of time.
That’s especially important for players coming back from injury, as the team’s Saturday practice session is often the deciding factor in whether or not they suit up on Sunday. The Cowboys and their fans know that linebacker Sean Lee is close to making his return to the field, but McCarthy wasn’t ready to pencil him into the lineup for Sunday night’s showdown with Philadelphia quite yet.
“We’ll see,” McCarthy told reporters from The Star in Frisco during a group call. “We’ll take the full week of preparation for any of the guys that are coming back. But I like the way Sean has practiced.”
Lee has yet to make his 2020 debut, having started the season on injured reserve due to a core injury. It was later revealed that surgeons actually had to reattach his abdominal muscles to his pelvic bone during a September procedure.
Despite how insanely traumatic that sounds (and ignoring how long it would likely take the average Joe to recover just to the point of being able to shuffle out to the mailbox), the 11-year veteran could very realistically be playing professional full-speed tackle football again on November 1.
McCarthy allowed for the possibility of subbing Lee into Sunday night’s contest, even if he’s not quite ready to get the start.
“I think, just like anything, you look at all your scenarios,” McCarthy admitted. “But until he’s been cleared by the medical staff, we can’t really entertain that decision. But that’s definitely an option.”
The Cowboys and their defense are ranked dead last in the league in rushing yards allowed and points allowed, so getting the two-time Pro Bowler they call “The General” back in the mix would be a big plus.
Even if it’s with a limited workload.
Lee still has one more day at the office to show he’s ready for the assignment.
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