Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee says the defense has to prove its worth if it wants to have any chance at a playoff berth.

Lee, who was playing with a torn ACL in his right knee and has missed the past five games, said the defense is going to have to show it can compete in the playoffs.

“I think that’s what we have to do,” Lee said.

“It’s a process, but it’s something that we have the opportunity to do.”

If we can do that, I think we can compete for the playoffs.

“Lee had been an integral part of Dallas’ defense since the start of the season, starting seven games.

But he was limited to five games in December and January due to injury and missed three games during the preseason because of a concussion.

Lee said the team will try to get back to being competitive on a regular basis if the injury does not heal up in time.”

Jones has been a constant presence on the defensive line for the Cowboys, who allowed 10 touchdowns to the pass offense.”

We’re going to work as hard as we can to be as close as we possibly can to competing and getting to the playoffs as soon as possible.”

Jones has been a constant presence on the defensive line for the Cowboys, who allowed 10 touchdowns to the pass offense.

The Cowboys’ defense had been dominant in the early part of the year but has been on a slow slide this season.

They allowed a league-high 34 touchdowns in the first five games of the regular season.

They have allowed a season-high 15 points to the passing offense and have allowed 23 points or more in four of their past five.

Lee and linebacker DeMarcus Ware were among the Cowboys players who were held out of the win over Green Bay because of injuries.

The loss of Lee and Ware to injuries also makes linebacker Jon Beason the first member of the Cowboys to miss the team’s last game since 2009.

Beason, who played for the Lions from 2003 to 2006, is recovering from a hip injury suffered in Week 1 and was listed as questionable for the game.

Beane is expected to play Saturday.

He was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but coach Jason Garrett said Thursday he was ready to go.

Dallas also lost cornerback Antonio Cromartie, linebacker Justin Durant and linebacker Brian Orakpo to season-ending injuries.