The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a challenging Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they’ll be without some key players. Star pass rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are unavailable, with Lawrence moved to injured reserve, and wide receiver Brandin Cooks will also miss the game. Their absence leaves major gaps on both offense and defense.
In their place, rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, a second-round pick from Western Michigan, will step up. Kneeland has made an impression early in the season, recording eight tackles, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits. He’ll need to play a crucial role in maintaining the Cowboys’ pass rush with Parsons and Lawrence sidelined.
On the offensive side, rookie wide receiver Ryan Flournoy will fill in for Cooks. The sixth-round pick from Southeast Missouri State has been compared to former Cowboys star Dez Bryant, and this game presents a big opportunity for him to showcase his talent. The Cowboys will need a balanced offensive approach to keep up with the Steelers’ defense, which is led by standout pass rusher T.J. Watt.
Dallas has listed the following players as inactive: LB Micah Parsons, QB Trey Lance (emergency third QB), CB Caelen Carson, RB Deuce Vaughn, DE K.J. Henry, OT Matt Waletzko, and TE John Stephens. Deuce Vaughn’s absence opens the door for Hunter Luepke, signaling a potential shift in how Dallas will manage their running back snaps.
With the Cowboys sitting at 2-2 in the NFC East and the Steelers leading the AFC North at 3-1, this game is a chance for Dallas to prove their depth and test players like Kneeland and Flournoy against one of the league’s strongest defenses.
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