With a crucial stretch of tough games, the Dallas Cowboys got some very bad news with the report that star linebacker Sean Lee could require season ending surgery on the toe he injured in the game against the Carolina Panthers.

Sean Lee could be out for the season. Inside LB might need season-ending toe surgery.

— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) October 23, 2012

Matt Mosely and Ian Rappaport are also confirming the information, and Todd Archer filed a story on it at ESPN Dallas, as did Nick Eatman at DallasCowboys.com. Lee is still talking to specialists, but it does not look like he will play any more this season. At best, per Eatman he will miss the next two games at a minimum. Latest information on Twitter is that it is a plantar plate tear (here's a link with the medical definition).

This obviously is going to make the upcoming games against the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons more challenging. Dan Connor will have to fill in for Lee. Connor did have his best game of the season against Carolina after Lee went out of the lineup, but he is not the same level of player. The Cowboys are also going to have to look for another linebacker. Orie Lemon is Bruce Carter's backup, and the team needs another Will linebacker.

After Tony Romo and DeMarcus Ware, Lee is probably the most important contributor to the team. The Cowboys are going to find out quickly whether they can endure his absence this Sunday against the Giants.