Lee trying to catch up after injury

When the Cowboys used their second round pick to select Penn State linebacker Sean Lee, it was clear they hoped he would replace Bobby Carpenter in pass coverage as part of the nickel package.

Wade Phillips said Tuesday, however, that Lee -- who missed the first three preseason games with a quad injury --  was not a candidate to replace Carpenter.

“He’s not playing that spot,” Phillips said, and then went on to say, “Overall he’s got a lot on his plate. He’s working on special teams. He’s working on base defense. He’s working on our third-down defense and right now he’s better at the other two than he is at the third. I think he’ll be able to do it as the year goes on.”

Linebackers Jason Williams and Leon Williams could replace Carpenter, or the Cowboys might decide to use another safety in the nickel package.

-- Jan Hubbard