Sean Lee Inactive vs. Buccaneers; Cowboys Linebacker Healthy

The Dallas Cowboys are shaking things up as they chase a playoff berth by making linebacker Sean Lee a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Per NFL Network's Jane Slater, Lee won't be active in Week 16 because the Cowboys want to make better use of their depth at other positions. Lee would only be on the field for 12-15 plays since they don't use him on special teams.   

The additional rest will help Lee get healthier for the playoffs if the Cowboys make it in, Slater added. 

Lee was absent for Dallas' five-game winning streak from Week 10 through 14 due to a hamstring injury. He returned to the lineup in Week 15, but he played only seven snaps in the Cowboys' 23-0 loss against the Indianapolis Colts. 

Dallas' defense doesn't need Lee to succeed. Rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has the highest grade of any first-year player at his position from Pro Football Focus (85.4) and leads the team with 117 combined tackles. Fellow linebacker Jaylon Smith has been terrific with 107 combined tackles and four sacks. 

Injuries have been a recurring problem for Lee. He's never played a full 16-game season throughout his nine-year NFL career. The 32-year-old has appeared in six games this season, recording only 27 combined tackles and 0.5 sacks. 

The Cowboys (8-6) can clinch the NFC East with a win over the Bucs on Sunday.