Sean Lee is the leader of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, even when he’s injured.
Linebacker Jaylon Smith, who will call the coverages and set the defense in place of Lee against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, makes no bones about Lee’s leadership.
But Smith will wear the helmet receiver instead of Lee, who is out with a hamstring injury. Smith, who is in his second full season after missing 2016 because of surgery, took a similar role a season ago when Lee missed five games. Smith, however, is a much improved player with 2017 under his belt.