Quarterback Dak Prescott was in the midst of his 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year season the last time the Dallas Cowboys played in Pittsburgh.
A once-classic rivalry that includes three Super Bowl matchups is set to resume in prime time during Week 5, as the Cowboys (2-2) face the Steelers (3-1) on “Sunday Night Football.” Prescott’s 35-30 victory eight years ago, which contributed to an 11-game Dallas win streak, marks the only time he’s played against Pittsburgh until now.
Prescott returns to Pittsburgh at 31 years old as the NFL’s highest-paid player, leading an offense that ranks last in rushing (75.3 yards per game) and lacks receiving threats outside of All-Pro CeeDee Lamb.
“I have a lot of respect for Dak Prescott,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said this week. “He’s got a steady demeanor. He uses his mobility wisely, extending plays and running when necessary. His connection with CeeDee Lamb is really impressive.”
The Cowboys have had extra rest after evening their record with a 20-15 Thursday night win over the New York Giants in Week 4.
Prescott recorded his highest passer rating of the season (125.5) and threw touchdown passes to Lamb and running back Rico Dowdle. Tomlin also praised his own quarterback, Justin Fields, who remains the starter while Russell Wilson recovers from a calf injury.
The Steelers are coming off their first loss of the season, a 27-24 defeat against Indianapolis despite Fields throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 55 yards and two scores.
Pittsburgh had a chance to tie the game with a late drive but fell short. “I didn’t see any hesitation,” Tomlin said of Fields’ performance. “Justin has shown a steady demeanor in recent weeks. In moments like that, it’s on full display.”
Fields won’t have to contend with Cowboys pass-rushers Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (on injured reserve) this Sunday.
“It’s part of the game,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said about the injuries to two key defenders. “It takes a lot of players to win week in and week out. It opens up opportunities for others, and that’s how we approach it.
It’s our job as coaches to make sure we’ve got a solid game plan for our players to go to Pittsburgh and get the win.”
Fields has faced the Cowboys once before, back when he was with the Chicago Bears. In that game, he completed 17 of 23 passes for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 49-29 road loss on October 30, 2022.
He also rushed eight times for 60 yards and a touchdown, posting the third-highest passer rating (120.0) of his career.
Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) fully participated in Wednesday’s practice and could make his season debut on Sunday.
Running back Jaylen Warren (knee), and linebackers Nick Herbig (ankle) and Alex Highsmith (groin) did not practice Wednesday.
Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks has been ruled out after developing an infection following knee surgery, while cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday’s session. –Field Level Media
