The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 16-3 on Thursday night in the first NFL preseason game in two years.
Matthew Sexton‘s 36-yard punt return early in the third quarter jump-started the Steelers, and the Cowboys never challenged after it.
Last season’s exhibition games were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both sides lacked timing with the ball, helping each defense.
Pittsburgh blocked a field goal attempt by Hunter Niswander, and Steelers placekicker Sam Sloman missed from 49 yards, as well a botching an extra point.
Dallas left 16 key players at its training base in California.
The Steelers briefly used such regulars as receivers Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson, linebacker Alex Highsmith and cornerback Cameron Sutton. Linebacker Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ first-round draft pick, saw some action, as did right tackle La’el Collins.
