Avery Williams Set to Make Steelers Debut; Tyson Alualu, Mike Hilton Out vs. Cowboys

Steelers defensive lineman Tyson Alualu and cornerback Mike Hilton will miss Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, but newest Steelers player Avery Williamson will be dressed.

Alualu (knee) had previously been ruled out with a knee injury suffered against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, while Hilton (shoulder) will miss his third straight game after being injury against Cleveland in Week 6.

Alualu is expected to be replaced by Isaiah Buggs in the starting lineup, with Henry Mondeaux replacing Buggs as the backup defensive end. Rookie Carlos Davis is dressed for the first time this season as the sixth defensive lineman.

Cam Sutton will once again replace Hilton as the team’s top slot cornerback, with Justin Layne filling in for Sutton when the team needs to play four corners. Safety Antoine Brooks has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for the second straight week and will once again be dressed.

Williamson did not practice this week after being acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the New York Jets on Sunday due to the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol, but he will be dressed and eligible to play. Head coach Mike Tomlin cited Williamson’s familiarity with the Steelers’ scheme from the time he spent in Tennessee under Dick LeBeau.

Fullback Derek Watt is not dressed. Watt was not listed on the team’s injury report, but has been dealing with a hamstring issue for several weeks. It’s unclear if he is scratched due to a flare-up of the injury or for other reasons.

Tight end Vance McDonald, who missed practice Friday and was listed as questionable with an illness, is dressed.

Outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott was called up from the practice squad on Saturday and will help to fill in for Watt’s special teams role. Mondeaux has played fullback at times while Watt has been out.

The Steelers’ other inactive players are quarterback Josh Dobbs, tight end Zach Gentry and offensive lineman Derwin Gray.

The team released offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski and running back Trey Edmunds late this week to make room for Elliott and Williamson.