Quarterback Dak Prescott was midway through his 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign the last time Dallas played in Pittsburgh.
A once-classic rivalry that includes three Super Bowl showdowns renews in prime time in Week 5 as the Cowboys (2-2) visit the Steelers (3-1) on “Sunday Night Football.”
Prescott’s 35-30 victory eight years ago, which was part of an 11-game Dallas winning streak, is the only time he has faced Pittsburgh until now.
Prescott returns to the Steel City at age 31 as the NFL’s highest-paid player, directing an offense with the league’s worst rushing attack (75.3 yards per game) and no serious receiving threats beyond All-Pro CeeDee Lamb.
“I got a lot of respect for Dak Prescott,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said this week. “He’s got a steady demeanor, man. He utilizes his quarterback mobility in a very prudent way. He extends plays, he’ll run if given the opportunity. He’s got a real rapport obviously. … His work with CeeDee Lamb is real impressive.”
The Cowboys have had a few extra days of rest since leveling their record with a 20-15 Thursday night road win over the New York Giants in Week 4. Prescott posted his highest passer rating of the season (125.5) and threw touchdown passes to Lamb and running back Rico Dowdle.
Tomlin also had positive things to say about his own quarterback, Justin Fields, who remains the starter as Russell Wilson recovers from a calf injury.
The Steelers are coming off their first loss of the season, falling 27-24 at Indianapolis last weekend despite Fields throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 55 yards and two scores. Pittsburgh had a chance to drive for a tying field goal late but came up short.
“I didn’t feel any blinking,” Tomlin said of Fields’ effort. “Justin, we’ve talked about his steady demeanor in recent weeks in terms of the things that I’ve grown to know and understand about him. I think it’s really on display in moments like that.”
Fields won’t have to worry about Dallas pass-rushers Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (injured reserve) on Sunday.
“It’s definitely the unfortunate part of our game,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said of the injuries to two of his top defenders. “It takes a lot of players to win in this league, week in and week out. It creates a great opportunity for others. That’s really our approach.
“At the end of the day, it’s our job as coaches to make sure we got a heck of a game plan for our players to go to Pittsburgh and get the win.”
Fields has faced the Cowboys once before while with the Chicago Bears, completing 17 of 23 passes for 151 yards, two TDs and no picks in a 49-29 road loss on Oct. 30, 2022. He rushed eight times for 60 yards and a score and posted the third-highest passer rating (120.0) of his career to date.
Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and could make his season debut Sunday. Running back Jaylen Warren (knee) and linebackers Nick Herbig (ankle) and Alex Highsmith (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday.
Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks has been ruled out after developing an infection following a procedure on his right knee. Cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday’s session.
–Field Level Media