Sean Lee, who has missed the last three games with a hamstring strain, will return to the field Sunday afternoon against Washington.

"I'm feeling good," Lee said. "I've gotten a couple of good practices in, so I should be ready to get out there and get on the field.

"Being out has always been tough on me. I've never liked it. I'm glad to be back."

The Cowboys linebacker injured his hamstring in the loss to Seattle on Sept. 23. He returned to practice this week and has been a full participant the last two days, clearing the way for his return.

Dallas has a bye week after this game. If there was any question about Lee's ability to play, it would make sense to skip this game and target the game against Tennessee on Nov. 5.

But Lee stressed there's no question. Two more weeks of rehabilitation wouldn't make him any more prepared to play than he is now.

"If you're ready, if you're 100 percent, you play," Lee said. "I've missed a lot of time already, so I'm trying not to miss much more.

"I need to play. I haven't played a lot this year. I need to get out there and get snaps and continue to improve and hopefully help this defense.

"With hamstrings, there's a gray area at times where you're close, but how close are you? They are a little bit harder to evaluate.

"We've passed every test,'' he continued. "I don't feel it. I've had no problem with it the whole, entire rehab, so I feel like I'm ready to go.''

Briefly: WR Tavon Austin (groin) and LB Joe Thomas (foot) have been ruled out of Sunday's game for the Cowboys. CB Chidobe Awuzie (ankle) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable. ... WR Jamison Crowder (ankle) is the only player listed as out for Washington.