With just hours left before the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans square off in the NFL's Wild Card weekend finale, there are many questions fans have to be asking themselves.
What version of Aaron Rodgers will show up? Will DK Metcalf's return unlock the offense again? Will the Steelers' defense be better prepared after a multitude of mishaps nearly cost them the AFC North title? All valid questions, but there is one question that would normally be a big talking point but seemingly isn't: how will the Steelers survive the Texans' explosive pass rush with a fourth-string left tackle?
Dylan Cook will be starting his fifth consecutive game as the Steelers' left tackle Monday night, and nobody seems worried in the slightest about it. That isn't to say that the Steelers aren't concerned about dealing with Houston's ferocious front, just that Cook isn't the liability that almost any other depth tackle in the league would be.
In fact, his needing to play due to multiple injuries may have been the spark the Steelers needed along their offensive front.
Dylan Cook has outplayed every possible expectation for the Pittsburgh Steelers
It cannot be stressed enough how tough it is for an offense to handle losing multiple options at any offensive line position, let alone left tackle. The NFL is lacking enough talent to supply most teams with even serviceable starters at all five spots, let alone multiple quality backups.
That's why what is happening with Cook is so fascinating. The 28-year-old's level of play since being forced into the lineup isn't just good for a practice squad call-up; it would be good for nearly any starting tackle in the league.
Pro Football Focus has Cook graded as a top-10 tackle in terms of pass blocking this season, and the film backs up that ranking. Instead of the left side of the line cratering with injuries to Broderick Jones, Calvin Anderson, and Adrus Peat, it may have actually unlocked the best version of this Steelers offensive line.
It's still far too early to anoint him as the Steelers' starting left tackle moving forward, as plenty of players have played well in short stints just to fall off when given a full-time role. But if he shows up big against the Texans and looks the part against that pass rush? It might be time to end the Jones experience at left tackle for good and give the former undrafted free agent a chance to earn the job in 2026 and beyond.