ARLINGTON, Texas – Keith Brooking will focus on what he can control on the field and in the meeting rooms.

He’ll let other people figure out what his role will be this season.

Brooking, who returned Tuesday after missing a few weeks with a strained hamstring, is well aware that Sean Lee is pushing for playing time at inside linebacker. That’s likely to come at the expense of the 14-year veteran, but Brooking certainly isn’t losing sleep over the possibility.

“I think it’ll all work itself out,” Brooking said. “I think we have three really good inside lineackers that can play this game. I’m dead honest with you. I’m not worrying myself about that at all or thinking about that. You come out here every day and get the most out of each day, work your tail off, put your blinders on. You start worrying about stuff like that in this league and what’s going to happen and what they’re thinking, you’re going to drive yourself crazy.

“I really, honestly do not think about that stuff at all. It’s going to take care of itself just fine, and I’ll be happy with whatever role they decide for me to have on this football team.”

Brooking said he got only 13 reps during Tuesday’s practice, but that’s because they’re being careful with him as he comes off the hamstring injury. Head coach Jason Garrett has made it clear that Brooking will have a significant role this season.

Does that mean Brooking will start? Split time with Lee? Be part of a three-man rotation with Bradie James and Lee?

That’s to be determined. Brooking’s goal is simply to prepare to play as well as possible regardless of his role.

“I think these guys know what they’re going to get with me as a player,” Brooking said. “I’m at the point in my career where obviously I’m a competitor -- I want to be out there, I want to be helping my team by making plays -- but whatever my role is, I’ll accept it with everything.”