Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee is done for the year.
The Cowboys officially put Lee on injured reserve today, and he was not designated for return, which means he will not play again until the 2013 season.
Lee suffered a right toe injury on Sunday against the Panthers, and although he said after the game that he thought he’d be OK, an MRI revealed major structural damage. Lee needs surgery and several months of rehabilitation.
The Cowboys also announced that they’ve placed punter Chris Jones on injured reserve and signed safety Charlie Peprah and linebacker Ernie Sims.
For the Dallas defense, Lee is a major loss. He has started all six games and leads the team in tackles, and he’s one of the most complete linebackers in the league, equally solid against the run and in pass coverage. The 3-3 Cowboys already had an uphill climb to make the playoffs, and losing Lee makes their path to the postseason a lot rougher.