Cowboys' pass rusher injuries overshadowing important player's status that will be huge vs Steelers
Everyone is talking about the Dallas Cowboys' injuries at edge rusher and understandably so: Not having Micah Parsons nor DeMarcus Lawrence will be massive against the Pittsburgh Steelers even if they're dealing with their share of offensive injuries themselves. However, with all the talk about Parsons and Lawrence, many have overlooked a big storyline that will […]
Everyone is talking about the Dallas Cowboys' injuries at edge rusher and understandably so: Not having Micah Parsons nor DeMarcus Lawrence will be massive against the Pittsburgh Steelers even if they're dealing with their share of offensive injuries themselves.
However, with all the talk about Parsons and Lawrence, many have overlooked a big storyline that will be huge in determining the outcome of Sunday's matchup: Rookie cornerback Caelen Carson.
It certainly doesn't appear as if DaRon Bland will be suiting up, as he remains on Injured Reserve and hasn't even been activated to practice. That means the Cowboys defense is once again facing a dire situation. Either Carson suits up or it'll be the same show as last week, in which Andrew Booth Jr. or practice squad CB Amani Oruwariye will be playing outside cornerback opposite of Trevon Diggs.
That went terribly in Week 4 as the Cowboys were consistently burn by Malik Nabers & Co, with the two corners mentioned above allowing catches for gains of 39, 28, and 16 yards. The Cowboys do have Diggs to match up against George Pickens but Mike Zimmer clearly prefers to not have his top CB shadow the opponent's top receiver.
When asked about Carson's availability on Thursday, McCarthy remained mysterious saying he didn't "have a strong feeling either way." Caelen was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday.
Even though Carson has been far from perfect as a late round rookie, which is more than fair, Booth and Oruwariye have proven to be a significant downgrade. Lacking Carson while dealing with a decimated pass rush could result in catastrophe against the 10th best passing offense per dropback EPA/play.
Cowboys vs Steelers Thursday injury report
The Dallas Cowboys also added CB Trevon Diggs to today's injury report with an ankle injury which caused him to be a limited participant in practice. Additionally, Ryan Flournoy and Ezekiel Elliott dealt with dehydration.
As for the Steelers, several players remain on the injury report including RB Jaylen Warren and EDGE Nick Herbig.
