The 2021 NFL preseason gets underway on Thursday night when the Dallas Cowboys meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game.
From an X's and O's standpoint, it's hard to break down NFL preseason matchups — especially the Hall of Fame Game opener — in order to pinpoint value. But despite what many on social media might tell you, there are edges to find in the NFL preseason, including getting ahead of news regarding which key players will play (and for how long) and which will sit.
With this in mind, I researched who will suit up and who will sit for the Steelers and Cowboys in the Hall of Fame. Below are updated status for key players as of Thursday morning for the 2021 NFL Hall of Fame Game.
Who Will Play In the 2021 NFL Hall of Fame Game?
Steelers Player Statuses
According to head coach Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger will not suit up in the Hall of Fame Game, which isn't all that surprising. Tomlin also announced that Mason Rudolph will get the start for Pittsburgh, before giving way to Dwayne Haskins.
Josh Dobbs is expected to take over under center at halftime and finish the game.
On the other hand, rookie running back Najee Harris — who the Steelers selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft — is expected play in all four preseason games, including the Hall of Fame Game.
Key defensive veterans Cam Heyward and Joe Haden are also expected to sit tonight's game out.
Cowboys Player Statuses
Dak Prescott appears to have experienced a setback in his recovery from a strained shoulder and therefore will not play in the Hall of Fame Game.
Guard Zack Martin and tackle Tyron Smith will not see any action on the offensive line, while Amari Cooper will also watch from the bench.
On the defensive side of the ball, Demarcus Lawrence is not expected to play, either.
