Steelers injury report: Some concerning injuries ahead of game vs. Cowboys

The Steelers have a few injuries, particularly on the defensive line. Here’s how they are looking against the Cowboys this week.

The Steelers have some injuries going into their game against the Cowboys. Pittsburgh comes into Dallas an undefeated team facing a Cowboys team that has struggled and could be using a third or fourth-string quarterback. I’m usually not that confident about any NFL game, but the Steelers should take care of business in Dallas this week.

Steelers Injuries

Mike Hilton (Shoulder) Questionable

Mike Hilton has been out the past two games but has gotten back on the practice field. He has been limited both days and will need to be a full go to be ready for the Cowboys. Sutton has done a nice job filling in for Hilton and I would be okay with Hilton taking as much rest as he needs. Knowing Mike Tomlin, if Hilton is a full-go Friday, he will be the Steelers slot corner on Sunday.

Stefen Wisniewski (Pectoral) Doubtful

It beats me why the Steelers activated Stefen Wisniewski back to the roster when he is still injured. I do like that they intend to bring him back off the reserve/injured list as he could provide some good depth for the interior of the offensive line. He won’t start Sunday, but they may need him somewhere down the line, especially at center.

Tyson Alualu (Knee) Doubtful

Tyson Alualu has a sprained MCL, according to Jeremy Fowler.

He will probably miss a couple of weeks, but he shouldn’t have to go on IR or miss too much time. Alualu has really stepped up in his move to nose tackle this year and will be needed down the stretch for the Steelers.

Isaiah Buggs (Ankle) Doubtful

Isaiah Buggs is someone who has gone the wrong direction this week on the practice report. Buggs was limited on Wednesday but did not practice on Thursday which leaves his status for the game up in the air. Losing Alualu leaves the Steelers thin on the defensive line and it doesn’t help that Heyward has a minor quad injury although I think he is probable for Sunday. This might be Calvin Taylor’s opportunity to dress even though he is on the practice squad.

Cowboys Injuries

Ezekiel Elliott (Hamstring) Questionable

The Cowboys running back has been limited for the first two practices of the week. I think he will be ready to play this week against the Steelers and Mike McCarthy said as much. The Cowboys will need “Zeke” with them having injuries at quarterback.

Chris Jones (Abdomen) Doubtful

Chris Jones looks like he is going to the reserve/injured list. The Dallas Morning News is reporting that he will undergo surgery and that will likely mean he is headed to the reserve/injured list. Practice squad punter Hunter Niswander will probably be the punter for a while.

Aldon Smith (Knee) Questionable

Aldon Smith has been limited the first two days of practice, but I think he will go on Sunday versus the Steelers. Smith has done a good job as the other defensive end opposite Demarcus Lawrence. I think he will be better on Friday and will have a good matchup with Alejandro Villanueva on Sunday.

Conclusion

The Steelers have a few injuries and the Cowboys have a few but I don’t think injuries will play a huge role in this game. Mike Tomlin’s team is beaten up on the defensive line and so that is a cause for concern. Stephon Tuitt is peaking at the right time and that is helping this team. I think the Steelers are healthy enough that they will be able to handle the Cowboys. Although the game is in Dallas, it will be hard for the Cowboys to compete without Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton.