With a dismal Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts under their belt, the Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping for a primetime victory to get back on track. The Steelers play their first of three home games in the next four weeks against the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas defeated the New York Giants in an unexpectedly thrilling game on Thursday night, capping off a successful Thursday Night Football season. After suffering two losses in their first four weeks, the Cowboys have not exactly looked great. The demolition of New Orleans in Week 1 is one of these defeats.
This historic game is developing into something spectacular as both clubs battle it out for position in strong divisions. In addition to a questionable Micah Parsons, the Cowboys will be without DeMarcus Lawrence. In addition to missing players like Troy Fautanu, James Daniels, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarelle Patterson, the Steelers have seen their fair share of injuries.
The headliners and supporting cast members will both need to be at the top of their games with so many important pieces missing for both teams. Thus, these five players are ones to watch closely in Week 5.
QB Justin Fields
As one of the most crucial players on the Steelers roster right now, Justin Fields is someone to keep a careful watch on all the time. Fields accomplished almost everything necessary for the Steelers to win in Weeks 1-3, but he went off in Week 4 and the team did not win this time.
Fields and the Steelers now take on the Dallas defense, which is already having trouble and likely become worse this week due to injuries. They have particularly poor run defense, as was made evident when they lost to Baltimore 28–25 in Week 2. Dallas will not be able to stop Fields if he can use his legs well, get out of the pocket, and produce stats like to those from Week 4.
RB Najee Harris
Najee Harris, the Steelers’ three-time 1,000-plus yard rusher, comes into this game somewhat of an island in the backfield due to injuries to second- and third-string backs Warren and Patterson. Harris will be asked to carry a heavier load than usual against the Cowboys, as he has not had a game that stands out this season and was not even able to meet 20 rushing yards against the Colts. Harris needs to improve if the Steelers are to have any chance of winning this week, and given how bad the Cowboys’ rush defense has been, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will likely have plenty of plays available for Harris.
Isaac Seumalo, LG
Unfortunately, Isaac Seumalo, the left guard for the Steelers, will be playing on Sunday night for the black and gold. On this inexperienced Steelers offensive line, Seumalo has yet to play a snap in 2024 and has been greatly missed.
Seumalo’s return could not have come at a better time, following the heartbreaking announcement that Troy Fautanu and James Daniels had injuries that would certainly terminate the season. The Cowboys losing their finest edge rusher and all of this will have a significant impact on the result. The Steelers offensive line has the potential to outperform the Cowboys defense and maybe change the game’s outcome if Seumalo can return to full strength.
LB Nick Herbig
This is once again Nick Herbig’s moment to shine, with Alex Highsmith still not in the starting lineup. In Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Herbig entered and dominated, making the memorable splash plays that ultimately led his team to victory. Week 4 saw a significant change in the situation as Herbig only recorded combined tackles.
Herbig is not solely to blame, though, as the Steelers’ defense as a whole did not play well against Indianapolis. Regardless, following his two-sack explosion against the Chargers, Herbig’s talent is evident to all. It will be interesting to watch Herbig take on quarterback Dak Prescott and further establish his reputation in this league on Sunday.
SS DeShon Elliott
DeShon Elliott has significantly strengthened the Steelers secondary since his arrival. He may have an even larger role than he has already had this weekend when one of the best receivers in the league visits Pittsburgh.
The majority of star receiver CeeDee Lamb will probably be drawn to CB Joey Porter Jr., but the Steelers may have a double team on their Sunday bingo card. Given the Cowboys’ dearth of receiver depth, Teryl Austin, the defensive coordinator, may find success by doubling Lamb with Elliott and Porter Jr. Elliott is expected to remain a vital component of this redesigned secondary regardless of whether or not this occurs.
With two prestigious teams vying for bragging rights, these five players could be crucial With two illustrious teams vying for bragging rights, these five guys could be crucial to the Steelers winning.
