Steelers TE Vance McDonald added to injury report with illness

The Steelers have three players who look like they are not going to play this week. Vance McDonald is also questionable with an illness.

The Steelers have a few injuries this week but the biggest news of the day is that Vance McDonald has been added to the injury report with an illness. This is concerning because the illness came late in the week and could affect his availability for Sunday’s game.

Tyson Alualu is also out for the week and I assume he will miss the following week as well. Stefen Wisniewski and Mike Hilton are doubtful going into Dallas. If I had to guess, I would say three will be down this week with another two or three healthy scratches.

The good news is this team looks healthier on the defensive line. Isaiah Buggs and Cameron Heyward are probable for the game.

Steelers Injuries

Mike Hilton (Shoulder) Doubtful

Mike Hilton was limited again on Friday and that sounds the alarm that he might not be healed enough to play on Sunday against the Cowboys. Although he was not able to make it back this week, I think Hilton should be healthy enough to play against the Bengals on the 16th.

Stefen Wisniewski (Pectoral) Doubtful

I think the Steelers just put Wisniewski back on the roster in case he would be ready to go this week. I don’t think he is quite ready yet, but I do think he will be back in the next couple of weeks. Wisniewski wouldn’t start this week anyway, but he could provide some depth as the season goes on.

Tyson Alualu (Knee) Out

Tyson Alualu has a knee injury that should keep him out a couple of weeks. It is hard to imagine even before he got the out designation that he would dress this week. Steelers fans just need to hope that he rests it and gets it healthy for the stretch run. Their schedule is easier at this point anyway.

Vance McDonald (Illness) Questionable

McDonald came down with an illness today and he probably was quarantined from the team. The fact that he wasn’t put on the COVID-19 list suggests that it is the common cold or flu. Knowing these NFL guys, he will probably bounce back in two days. I think McDonald will go on Sunday but that is just a gut feeling.

Cowboys Injuries

Ezekiel Elliott (Hamstring) Questionable

“Zeke” was limited again on Friday and that leaves him questionable going into the game. The Cowboys will need him as they will be starting a fourth-string quarterback this week. I think this signals that the Steelers should be able to contain the Cowboys offense this week.

Chris Jones (Abdomen) Out

Chris Jones did not practice all week but is still on the roster. I would imagine the Cowboys will make a move on Saturday to put him on the reserve/injured list. This should pave the way for Hunter Niswander to take over the punting job on Sunday. I would imagine the Cowboys will be punting a lot without Prescott and Dalton.

Aldon Smith (Knee) Questionable

Aldon Smith was limited for the third time in the practice week which opens some concern about whether he will dress on Sunday. The Cowboys will need him as he brings pressure from the other side from DeMarcus Lawrence.

Joe Thomas (Wrist) Questionable

Thomas was added to the injury report on Friday. He is listed as a full participant for Friday’s practice but is listed as questionable. Joe Thomas is a regular on the Cowboys defense and has done well rushing the passer as a linebacker.

The Steelers and the Cowboys have a few injuries each going into Sunday but I think the matchup plays into the Steelers favor. This is a historic rivalry, as the Steelers and Cowboys have faced off in the Super Bowl multiple times and both teams have beaten each other in the Super Bowl. Jerry Jones will want this win to get the Cowboys back on track.