Cowboys vs. Falcons: Dan Connor out, Ernie Sims starting

The Dallas Cowboys will turn to Ernie Sims on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons as starting inside linebacker Dan Connor has been ruled out for the big game, according to Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News.

Connor started in the 29-24 loss to the New York Giants but suffered a stinger during the game. Sims and backup linebacker Orie Lemon filled in for the remainder of the game, with Sims playing 10 snaps and recording three tackles.

With Connor out, and star linebacker Sean Lee out for the season, the Cowboys will start Sims at linebacker next to second-year player Bruce Carter. Sims, drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2006, was signed off the street as a free agent to provide depth after the Lee injury.

According to the team's depth chart, Lemon and Alex Albright will back up Sims and Carter in Sundays game. The Cowboys take on the Falcons on Sunday night on NBC.