The Dallas Cowboys have grown to depend on linebacker Sean Lee as a leader on defense, so it was no surprise that his departure from practice this morning set off some alarms.
Now, it appears the Cowboys are facing the worst-case scenario:
Hearing the #Cowboys are fearing the worst. Source says it does not look good. LB Sean Lee will likely be out for the year
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) May 27, 2014
Lee has suffered multiple season-ending injuries in the past (including an ACL tear that cost him the 2008 season at Penn State), so there's an unfortunate precedent here. The middle linebacker had to be helped off the field Tuesday morning after a tough block from rookie tackle Zack Martin, and Lee was visibly distressed at the time. Middlekauf is a reputable former NFL scout with a number of connections in the league, so there's no reason to doubt his information at present.
Update 4:52 PM ET: ESPN's Adam Schefter has confirmed Middlekauff's report, and understands Lee will undergo an MRI shortly:
Cowboys fear LB Sean Lee tore his left ACL. Lee will undergo an MRI today to see if Cowboys fears are reality.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 27, 2014
