The Pittsburgh Steelers' loss to the Indianapolis Colts came with more than just a tick in the right column of their season record. Several key players left the game due to injury, and a few key ones won't be back for Sunday Night Football.
But the same could be said about the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas' narrow victory over the New York Giants last week gave them an injury report just as long as the Steelers. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, their injury list includes some of their star players whose impact is difficult to replace.
Full Inactives List for the Steelers Week 5 vs. Cowboys
Player | Status |
|---|---|
Jaylen Warren | Out - Hamstring |
Alex Highsmith | Out - Groin |
MyCole Pruitt | Out - Knee |
Cordarrelle Patterson | Out - Ankle |
Russell Wilson | Inactive - Ankle - Emergency QB |
Roman Wilson | Inactive - Ankle |
Max Scharping | Inactive |
Offensive Impacts
Not on the inactive report, but instead on the Injured Reserve list is right guard James Daniels. His Achilles injury last week ended his season. Mason McCormick, who started at left guard last week for Isaac Seumalo, will take over in that spot. Coincidentally, Seumalo is back in action for the first time in 2024.
The Steelers running back group is thin as both Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson are out tonight. Expect a heavy dose of Najee Harris against the banged-up Dallas defense. Aaron Shampklin, who was called up from the practice squad last week, will spell him from time to time. Jonathan Ward will also get a helmet this week to round out the group.
Likely the biggest news is Russell Wilson. After serving as the emergency quarterback through the first four weeks, Wilson is as close to healthy as he's been since sustaining his calf injury during training camp. Still, Wilson will be the inactive emergency quarterback for Pittsburgh for the fifth straight week.
Defensive Impacts
Alex Highsmith is set to miss his second game with a groin injury. Nick Herbig, who tweaked his ankle against Indianapolis, is active and will get the start opposite of TJ Watt.
Larry Ogunjobi popped up on the injury report during the week with a groin injury of his own, limiting him in practice Thursday and Friday. Ian Rapoport reported Friday that his injury would not keep him out of the contest.
Cowboys Inactives
Player | Status |
|---|---|
Micah Parsons | Out - Ankle |
Trey Lance | Inactive - Emergency QB |
Caelen Carson | Out - Shoulder |
Deuce Vaughn | Inactive |
KJ Henry | Inactive |
Matt Waletzko | Inactive |
John Stephens Jr. | Inactive |
What to Know
Obviously, the Cowboys' defense not having Micah Parsons is huge, especially with the Steelers' own injuries on the offensive line. Parsons's ability to rush from multiple positions makes him virtually impossible to replace.
Star cornerback Trevon Diggs was on the injury report all week for an ankle injury, but he will be active and tasked with matching up with George Pickens more often than not.
On the offensive side, Dak Prescott will be down a weapon in Brandin Cooks. While not a premiere target any longer, he can still stretch defenses as a deep threat and open up space for Prescott's favorite targets.