In a week that already carried significant emotional weight for Cowboys fans, Dallas made a minor yet intriguing roster move: signing former Green Bay Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine to their practice squad.
The timing, just days before their Sunday Night Football matchup against the Packers, adds an extra layer of drama to an already heated rivalry.
Ballentine, a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, played for the Packers from 2022 to 2024. During his time in Green Bay, he appeared in 37 games and made seven starts, primarily serving as a depth piece and special teams contributor.
After being released by the New England Patriots earlier this week, the Cowboys moved quickly to add the veteran corner, replacing Zion Childress on the practice squad.
Cowboys insider Todd Archer confirmed the signing on Thursday, noting that Ballentine’s familiarity with Green Bay’s defensive system could offer a short-term advantage, though fans online seemed less than enthused. Social media reactions ranged from confusion to outright mockery, with many pointing out that the team’s more urgent roster needs remain unaddressed.
Mounting injuries add pressure to an unsteady start
The Cowboys’ 2025 season is shaping up to be anything but predictable. Under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas sits at 1-2 entering Week 4, struggling to find rhythm on either side of the ball.
Much of the offseason buzz surrounded the blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to Green Bay in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark – a move that, so far, many analysts feel favors the Packers.
The defense has visibly struggled without Parsons’ dynamic presence, while the offense continues to show flashes of potential without sustaining consistent momentum.
The situation worsened last week in a 31-14 blowout loss to the Chicago Bears, where star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb suffered a high-ankle sprain. Reports now suggest Lamb could miss anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks, a massive blow to the Cowboys’ passing attack.
In addition to Lamb, rookie guard Tyler Booker is also expected to be sidelined for several weeks with a similar high-ankle injury, and offensive lineman Cooper Beebe remains unavailable. These setbacks put enormous pressure on the offensive line and skill positions to perform despite limited depth and cohesion.
While the signing of Ballentine won’t singlehandedly change the trajectory of the Cowboys’ season, it reflects a broader theme: Dallas is scrambling for solutions amid adversity. Whether it’s plugging gaps in the secondary or finding ways to spark a sluggish offense, the Cowboys face a steep uphill climb.
With playoff hopes still within reach but rapidly slipping, how Dallas responds over the next few weeks, especially in high-stakes games like Sunday night’s, will define the true character of this retooled roster. For now, the addition of a former Packer may be more symbolic than game-changing, but in a season full of uncertainty, every move counts.
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