As we get ready for Sunday’s Week 10 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, here’s a quick look at the injury situations for both teams.
The following is based on the teams’ Friday practices:
DNP – Did Not Practice
LP – Limited Participant
OUT – Already Ruled Out
Dallas Cowboys
- OT Tyron Smith (back) – LP
- OT Chaz Green (foot) – DNP
- DE DeMarcus Lawrence
(back/shoulder) – LP - CB Morris Claiborne (groin) – OUT
- SS Barry Church (forearm) – OUT
The biggest story here is a name that you don’t see. Tony Romo has been a full participant in the team’s practices so far this week. However, he is definitely not starting on Sunday and there’s still a question as to if he’ll even be active.
Another big return is left guard Ronald Leary, who was a full participant in Friday’s practice after clearing the concussion protocol. His play is vital to the Cowboys’ success this week as they look to run the ball and keep it away from the Steelers’ offense.
We are still several weeks from seeing either Claiborne or Church back in uniform. This maybe the team’s toughest challenge during their absence. Thankfully, the Steelers have some issues with their receiving options that help to offset Dallas’ secondary injuries.
Pittsburgh Steelers
-
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports RB DeAngelo Williams (knee) – OUT
- WR Markus Wheaton (shoulder) – OUT
- WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (foot) – OUT
- S Jordan Dangerfield (groin) – OUT
While not listed here after returning to practice on Friday, center Maurkice Pouncey has been out all week with a thumb injury. Hand injuries are easy to aggravate or re-injure, so we could see him leave the game if something goes wrong.
Starting receiver Markus Wheaton and key reserve Darrius Heyward-Bey are both out. That puts Sammie Coates into the starting lineup and Eli Rogers as the slot receiver. Ben Roethlisberger has the ability to get production out of anyone, but this certainly helps the Cowboys as they deal with their own secondary issues.
With DeAngelo Williams out, the depth behind Le’Veon Bell is suspect. Fitzgerald Toussaint only has four carries this season. Bell will likely play as many snaps as his body can take.
