Avery Williamson to make Steelers debut against Dallas Cowboys

ARLINGTON, Texas – Inside linebacker Avery Williamson, acquired from the New York Jets on Monday, will be in uniform for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Williamson didn’t officially join the Steelers until Saturday after he passed six days of coronavirus testing. He will provide support for starters Vince Williams and Robert Spillane.

Tight end Vance McDonald, who missed practice Friday because of illness, is on the game day roster for the Steelers.

Slot cornerback Mike Hilton is inactive for the third game in a row with a shoulder injury. Fullback Derek Watt and nose tackle Tyson Alualu (knee) also will not suit up. Watt had been slowed by a hamstring injury in previous weeks, but he practiced fully all three days in the preparation leading up to the game.

The other inactive players are offensive lineman Derwin Gray, tight end Zach Gentry and third quarterback Joshua Dobbs.

The injury to Alualu means that Isaiah Buggs is expected to start at nose tackle, and rookie Carlos Davis will be on the active roster for the first time this season. Rookie safety Antoine Brooks Jr., who was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, also is active.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, who missed practice this week with a hamstring injury, is active for the game. The Cowboys inactives are linebacker Joe Thomas, defensive end Bradlee Anae, fullback Sewo Olonilua, safety Reggie Robinson, wide receiver Malik Turner and quarterback Ben DiNucci of Pine-Richland.

DiNucci made his first NFL start last Sunday against Philadelphia, but he was benched in favor of Garrett Gilbert, who will be backed up by Cooper Rush.