Steelers Could Escape Playing One Of NFL's Best Defensive Players In Week 5 On Sunday Night Football

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a tough task on the road in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. A 3-0 start has been enjoyable for Mike Tomlin and his team, but during his tenure as head coach, there have been some letdown games against opponents that seem to be inferior. That could be looked at as the situation on Sunday, especially because the franchise has a massive Week 5 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Defeating the Colts is at the top of the priority list, but it's hard not to jump a week ahead to a big game with two legendary organizations.

Fans had the primetime contest circled on calendars since the schedule was released back in May. The combined 11 Lombardi Trophies was enough to get the NFL world excited, but when adding in two defensive stars in TJ Watt and Micah Parsons, it was already being recognized as must-watch television. The tides may have turned on that, however, as Parsons suffered an injury on Thursday Night Football.

A 10-day hiatus will certainly help the edge rusher recover, but high ankle sprains are tough ailments to play through. As Ian Rapoport noted in his social media post, rest may be the more ideal approach to the star's recent injury. This could have massive implications for a game that might see the Steelers trying to remain undefeated if a win occurs in Indianapolis.

Parsons is known for lining up all over the place and wreaking havoc on offensive lines and quarterbacks. The Steelers' line has been inconsistent due to injuries and a player like Parsons could easily give Pittsburgh fits. He has the same effect for the Cowboys' defense as Watt does in the Steel City. An absent Parsons suddenly makes the game a little more manageable.

Since Tomlin became the Steelers' head coach, Pittsburgh and Dallas have split a series of four games. The tiebreaker will come on Sunday Night Football, and could have the potential to propel the black and gold to the top of the NFL contender conversation.

Steelers Looking To Take Care Of Business In Week 4 First

No one in Pittsburgh's locker room will be wondering about Parsons' potential status for Week 5. The goal is currently to head on the road to Indianapolis and win a conference matchup in order to stay undefeated. Beginning a season with four wins in September, and three of them coming in the team's conference, would suggest that making a playoff appearance is much more likely than not for Tomlin and co.

Do you think the Steelers will win in Week 5 regardless of Parsons' status? Let us know in the comments below!

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