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5 Steelers who need to thrive in Week 5 vs. Cowboys

These players will need to have big outings for the Steelers to have a shot at beating the Cowboys.

By Ryan Pawloski

Sep 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) pushes off Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) pushes off Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images / Christine Tannous/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
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It was a tough loss last week as Pittsburgh couldn't keep their winning streak going. They fell to the Colts after many favored the Steelers heading into that game. Nothing seemed to break in the black and gold's favor. Most of the loss was their own fault, but penalties and injuries only inflated their problems. They must figure out solutions quickly as they host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.

Dallas comes to town with an even record through four games. They have shown a rollercoaster of outings. They have not been able to find consistency, so the Steelers should be able to provide a chance to win this game.

The Cowboys have injury problems of their own, but that doesn't mean they can't produce winning results with the remaining quality players they will run onto the field.

Pittsburgh needs big performances from these Steelers vs. Cowboys

Nick Herbig

There is still a huge opportunity for Nick Herbig while Alex Highsmith is out for another week or two with his hamstring injury. Herbig got exposed last week against the Colts. They ran at his side constantly and he has to show a bounce back performance defending against the run. Herbig has been a great situational pass rusher, but he needs to prove to be an all-around player moving forward.

Mason McCormick

Both Spencer Anderson and Mason McCormick got praise from Mike Tomlin when they had to fluctuate their play time against the Colts. It seems like Seumalo is on track to start at left guard, so McCormick should get the first crack at replacing James Daniels on the right side. The rookie has the highest ceiling available to be the best replacement for the Steelers offensive line.

Patrick Queen

Fans should start to be concerned about Patrick Queen. He signed a monster contract with the Steelers in free agency, but he has not come close to expectations. A lot of the miscues on Pittsburgh's defense last week was a lack of communication, which is Queen's job. He hasn't made great plays either as the team's top linebacker. Queen needs to get over his poor start to the season.

Najee Harris

Even though the poor run game against the Colts can't be blamed on Najee Harris entirely, he certainly didn't do himself any favors. He just looked slow last week and didn't make routine runs. It didn't help that Cordarrelle Patterson had a few runs that made Harris look like a depth option. Harris might just not have the speed to play in Arthur Smith's offense. He needs to find yards one way or another.

Joey Porter Jr.

Even though they gave up a good chunk of yards through the air, the Steeler's secondary wasn't awful against the Colts last week. The Cowboys have a legit top receiver with CeeDee Lamb and Joey Porter Jr. will probably be assigned to him. Porter is coming off of one of his worst NFL starts last week, so he will have a big challenge to bounce back with Lamb coming to Pittsburgh.

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