(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout the year, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the Dallas Cowboys 2024 season.)
There are some obstacles to overcome this week for the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas is missing three of their key contributors as Micah Parsons (Ankle), Demarcus Lawrence (Foot), and Brandin Cooks (Knee) are all unavailable with their bout with Pittsburgh this week.
Does this mean all hope is lost? Absolutely not. Does it put more pressure and importance on the guys that remain healthy? Also yes.
The entire team will have some level of responsibility added on their plate. Especially with so many of these injuries being scattered throughout each unit. Let's look at the top five names that need a big week in order to secure a Dallas win.
5) Jalen Tolbert
For the first time in his career, Jalen Tolbert will be expected to be a true second wide receiver. He's had to perform in the shadow of Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks since being drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Luckily, Prescott and Tolbert had all sorts of extra reps during the CeeDee Lamb holdout in training camp. So far in 2024, he's been targeted 19 times for 13 catches and 160 yards. He'll need to produce much more than that if he hopes to continue to elevate and receive more looks as the year goes on.
4) Jake Ferguson
In the last two seasons, Jake Ferguson has shown to be a consistent and reliable target for Dak Prescott at the tight end position. This week, he'll need to become more of the playmaker that we saw at times last season. He's only two weeks removed from an early-season knee injury himself, but his production could be key to replacing the offensive possibilities without Cooks.
3) Andrew Booth/Amani Oruwariye
Two of the newest Dallas Cowboys will be put in a big spot again this week, especially if Caelen Carson can't play. Both shared the snaps at outside cornerback last week as Booth played in 27 snaps on defense and Oruwariye played in 33. The reason they are on the list together? They should share rotational snaps together against the Pittsburgh offense that is in the top half of the league in most major categories.
2) Terence Steele
These next three games for Terence Steele will be his toughest all year. T.J. Watt is his matchup this week, followed by reigning NFC defensive player of the week Aidan Hutchinson next week, then Nick Bosa after the bye. Steele hasn't had the best start to the season, allowing two sacks in the first four games and multiple pressures in every outing as well. He'll have to limit T.J. Watt and the overall impact of the defensive front if Prescott hopes to have enough time to find his depleted receiver corps.
1) Marshawn Kneeland
The day has come for the rookie to take a step forward. Over his first four games, Kneeland has tallied eight tackles, one TFL, and three QB hits in the defensive rotation. It may seem that he has the tough task of replacing the production of both Lawrence and Parsons, but that's nearly impossible. Since 2021, the passer rating allowed by the Cowboys defense with both Parsons and Lawrence on the field (102.6) is over 20 points lower without them on the field (80.8). What Kneeland needs to focus on, is containing Justin Fields and limiting the run. If he's able to do that, everything else is added production from the talented rookie.
