The Pittsburgh Steelers are not looking ahead to a Week 5 contest against the Dallas Cowboys just yet. Within hours, the team will go up against the Indianapolis Colts in a big-time conference matchup. That doesn't mean, however, that fans aren't getting a little excited for a home Sunday Night Football matchup against one of the most recognized organizations in all of sports. It seems like injuries have been a huge problem for teams across the league in 2024, and the Cowboys have not been an exception to that current reality throughout the NFL.
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Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones stares off into the distance on a field prior to a professional football game.
In a Thursday Night Football game against a division rival, the New York Giants, Dallas was hit with several new injuries. The most prominent one being an ankle issue for star edge rusher Micah Parsons. It was originally reported that he would get an MRI before the team gave an update, but it appears it is a bit worse than initially anticipated.
On Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport from NFL Network gave an update on Parsons' status for Week 5 on NFL GameDay Live. It appears the Steelers will escape having to play the game-wrecking defender.
"My understanding is he is going to be out for 7 to 10 days, then reevaluated. It does not mean he's necessarily coming right back after that so Parsons, expected to miss the Week 5 game against the Steelers," Rapoport said.
This is news when it comes to the primetime matchup. Fans were looking forward to watching TJ Watt and Parsons battle it out on national television, but it now will be Watt's show, while the Steelers' offensive line breathes a sigh of relief as the two-time All-Pro in Parsons will sit out.
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Steelers' defensive star TJ Watt stands on the field at St. Vincent College as he team practices during 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Time will tell if Pittsburgh will be looking to improve to 5-0 against the Cowboys, but the reality of the situation is that a Dallas defense without Parsons is much easier to plan for. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and co. will save hours during the week of preparation without having to worry about one of the league's favorites to be the 2024 AP Defensive Player of the Year.
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Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons sets up near the line of scrimmage and prepares to rush the quarterback during a professional football game.
Steelers Focused On Week 4 Matchup Before Planning For Cowboys
The Colts sit with a record of 1-2 entering Sunday's huge conference showdown with Pittsburgh. Before worrying about the Parsons-less Cowboys, it will be crucial for Tomlin and his team to come up with a win on the road. It would give the franchise a 4-0 record, with three wins on the road and in the AFC. The lack of Parsons in Week 5 certainly opens the door for five straight wins to begin the season if the Steelers can get the job done in Indianapolis.
Do you think Pittsburgh will take care of the Cowboys in Week 5 with Parsons out? Let us know in the comments below!
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