Cowboys' Sean Lee on 2014 knee injury: 'I always knew it was a matter of time'

Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Sean Lee had his 2014 season brought to an end before it could even begin, suffering a torn ACL during the first week of organized team activities and missing out on his club's strongest year in recent memory.

Now working his way back and re-establishing himself as the Cowboys' defensive leader this offseason, Lee recently explained to ESPN's Todd Archer that the injury didn't come as much of a surprise given the partial tear he'd been playing through for several years prior.

“I always knew it was a matter of time before that thing probably went,” Lee said. "I played on (a) pretty torn ACL for a couple of years. That's what the main injury was with me coming in. The right (knee) was fine. But when I came back for that fifth year at Penn State, the third game in, I partially tore it. I took off about three games and then played with it. It would shift every once in a while.

"The further I got away from the injury, the less it would shift. It happened maybe a couple of times a season to maybe once or twice a season. I thought it would be fine and then when I slipped last year the knee went on me. It was a matter of time."

Lee struggled through several other injuries throughout his first four NFL seasons, but the incredible production he still managed over that span suggests he could have an even more significant impact now that he's healthy.

With Rolando McClain having taken over in the middle, Lee's instincts and athletic ability should see him thrive in a transition to the weak side this fall.

The Cowboys defense exceeded expectations without Lee in 2014, and his healthy return should play a key role in the unit continuing to build on its success, pairing with a strong offense for a chance at a long-awaited playoff run.