Sophia
The Dallas Cowboys are making strategic moves to fortify their beleaguered secondary, signing veteran cornerback Corey Ballentine to their practice squad. This addition comes at a critical juncture as the team prepares to host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, potentially without two key defensive backs.
Injury Concerns Loom Large for Dallas Secondary
The Cowboys’ defensive backfield has been hit hard by injuries. Star cornerback Trevon Diggs is already out for the season, and now DaRon Bland, who has been a revelation in Diggs’ absence, is also dealing with an injury that could sideline him for an extended period. According to reports, Bland (foot) could miss several weeks, creating a significant void in the secondary.
Ballentine Brings Familiarity and Experience
The signing of Corey Ballentine is more than just a depth move; it’s a calculated decision. Ballentine spent three seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2022-2024), appearing in 37 games with seven starts. During his time in Green Bay, he recorded 54 tackles and one interception.
This familiarity with the Packers’ system and personnel could provide the Cowboys with valuable insider information as they prepare for their Week 4 matchup.
The official announcement came via the Dallas Cowboys Public Relations Twitter account:
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) September 25, 2025
A Journey Through the League
Ballentine, a sixth-round pick out of Washburn in 2019, began his career with the New York Giants. Since then, he has bounced around the league, with stints with the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots in 2025. He even re-signed with Green Bay briefly after being released by the Colts in August before being waived again at final cuts. Most recently, he appeared in one game for the Patriots, primarily on special teams, before his release on September 23rd, just two days before joining the Cowboys.
Special Teams Ace and Returner Potential
Beyond his defensive contributions, Ballentine has a proven track record as a primary special teams player and has experience as a returner. This versatility could be an added bonus for the Cowboys, who are always looking to improve their special teams units.
The Road Ahead for Dallas
As the Cowboys prepare for a challenging Sunday Night Football clash against the Packers, the addition of Corey Ballentine provides much-needed depth and a potential strategic advantage. While the severity of DaRon Bland’s injury remains a concern, the Cowboys are clearly taking proactive steps to ensure their secondary is as prepared as possible for the tough road ahead.
