Steelers catch a massive break in Week 5 with critical injuries to Cowboys stars

As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, the Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with a wave of injuries that has significantly hindered their roster.

Just when it seemed their depth could be a key advantage, the team faced multiple setbacks throughout September.

Following a disappointing loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, it was confirmed that right guard James Daniels would be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an Achilles injury.

Before his injury, Daniels was regarded as one of the top guards in the league. His absence adds to the woes of a Steelers offensive line that had already seen Seumalo miss the first month of the season.

Additionally, both Troy Fautanu and Nate Herbig have been ruled out for the entire year due to season-ending injuries.

Along with the offensive line troubles, the Steelers will also be missing key defensive players.

Edge rusher Alex Highsmith is out again, and second-year defensive back Cory Trice Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after Week 3.

The running back position is also uncertain, as Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson are both questionable for Week 5.

While these injuries pose significant challenges for the Steelers, they pale in comparison to the situation the Dallas Cowboys are facing.

Steelers Get a Break Against the Cowboys’ Injuries

The Cowboys have their own set of troubles that could play to the Steelers’ advantage.

In a pivotal game against the New York Giants, star edge rusher Micah Parsons suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss the upcoming matchup against Pittsburgh.

Parsons has been a dominant force since being drafted in 2021, known for his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

This matchup would have favored the Cowboys, as Parsons was likely to face off against rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones.

His remarkable skills could have changed the course of the game. Unfortunately for Dallas, Parsons is not the only major player missing from their lineup.

Demarcus Lawrence, another key edge rusher, will also be absent. Lawrence has been a reliable run defender for nearly a decade, and his experience adds crucial stability to the Cowboys’ defense.

With both Parsons and Lawrence out, the Steelers could find themselves with a significant advantage in both the passing and running game.

Adding to the Cowboys’ woes, All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland has been unavailable all season due to a foot injury. Bland had an outstanding 2023 season, making his absence even more impactful. Additionally, starting wide receiver Brandin Cooks will miss the game due to an infection in his right knee.

Despite these significant losses, the Steelers cannot underestimate the Cowboys. Pittsburgh has struggled to put points on the board this season, and even with a weakened Dallas defense, scoring may still prove to be a challenge on Sunday Night Football.

On the defensive side, the Steelers must improve significantly after their Week 4 performance, where they struggled against Joe Flacco and the Colts. They now face the formidable duo of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who present a different set of challenges.

Given the unfortunate injury circumstances that have plagued Pittsburgh early in the season, they cannot use this as an excuse against a Cowboys team missing star players. The Steelers need to rise to the occasion and find a way to secure a victory in Week 5.

Key Players for the Steelers to Succeed Against the Cowboys

As Pittsburgh prepares for their upcoming game, several players will need to step up and make significant contributions to turn the tide in their favor. The team’s ability to adapt to these injuries and capitalize on the Cowboys’ absences could be the key to their success.

The Steelers must focus on executing their game plan effectively, ensuring that they are ready to take advantage of any opportunities that arise. The coaching staff will play a crucial role in maximizing the potential of the remaining players while finding ways to overcome the challenges posed by the Cowboys’ remaining talent.

Ultimately, while both teams face injury issues, the Steelers must demonstrate resilience and determination to emerge victorious. Week 5 presents an opportunity for Pittsburgh to not only secure a win but also to build momentum as the season progresses.