IRVING, Texas – From the statistical standpoint, the Cowboys have the fourth-best defense in the league. Against the pass, no one has been better this year.
And to think, the Cowboys still haven’t had one of their best players in the lineup.
That should change this week with the return of defensive tackle 
Ratliff has been inactive the last four weeks and backup
As usual, Ratliff politely declined a request to speak to the media on Monday. But make no mistake, his coaches and teammates are excited about the return of their four-time Pro Bowler.
“He’s worked very hard to get himself back in shape to play coming off the injury,” Jason Garrett said on Monday. “He’s an outstanding football player and has been for a long time. He makes a big impact on our defense and our football team.”
Ratliff’s teammate
“Getting Jay back is like getting three guys back,” Spears said. “In the nickel packages, in the base packages and then teams actually game plan for Jay Ratliff. It’ll give other guys the opportunity to probably make more plays and have more success because he’s in the game.”
But don’t expect Ratliff to be turned loose right away.
“Well, we’ve just got to monitor him day by day but he did practice last week,” Garrett said. “So we’re excited about seeing how he does (Monday) and how the week goes on.”
Brent will remain in the rotation even with Ratliff back. Garrett said the same goes for Lissemore and Spears when and if
“Those guys play so much,” Garrett said. “We don’t get too caught up in the defensive line who is the actual starter.”
