The Dallas Cowboys are making headlines once again, this time with a strategic roster move ahead of their highly anticipated Sunday Night Football clash against the Green Bay Packers. On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the Cowboys announced the signing of veteran cornerback Corey Ballentine to their practice squad, filling a crucial gap left by the departure of promising rookie Zion Childress. For a team navigating a challenging start to the season, this acquisition could prove more significant than many fans realize.
Ballentine, a 29-year-old journeyman, brings a wealth of experience to Dallas, having played for an astonishing eight NFL teams since being drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round back in 2019. His career has taken him from New York to the Jets, the Lions, and through the practice squads of the Falcons and Cardinals before he found a more stable home with the Green Bay Packers. There, Ballentine appeared in 40 games over three seasons, including postseason action, and notched his only career interception in 2023. Most recently, he spent the preseason with the Indianapolis Colts, returned briefly to Green Bay, and then signed with the New England Patriots, appearing in one regular-season game before being released on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
For the Cowboys, Ballentine’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment. The team is currently 1–2, sitting third in the NFC East, and adapting to a season of major transitions. The 2025 campaign marks the first under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and it’s the dawn of a new era without longtime franchise staples Zack Martin, who retired, and DeMarcus Lawrence, who signed elsewhere. Perhaps most notably, Dallas is feeling the impact of trading defensive superstar Micah Parsons to the Packers in exchange for standout defensive lineman Kenny Clark—an offseason move that still has fans and analysts buzzing. Most observers agree: the Packers seem to have come out ahead in that blockbuster deal, and they’re not likely to let the Cowboys forget it anytime soon.
But as Sunday’s primetime matchup draws near, the Cowboys are also dealing with a rash of injuries in their secondary. Star cornerback Trevon Diggs is working his way back to full strength, and DaRon Bland is fighting to return from his own setback. The cornerback room has been in flux, with Kaiir Elam, Reddy Steward, and Trikweze Brudges currently holding down active roster spots, while Josh Butler, Caelen Carson, and third-round rookie Shavon Revel Jr. await their own returns. Into this mix steps Ballentine, who, while best known for his special teams contributions, offers much-needed depth at cornerback and brings firsthand knowledge of the Packers’ tendencies—having been in their training camp as recently as this summer.
The move was prompted by the recent departure of Zion Childress, a highly-touted undrafted free agent out of Kentucky. Childress initially made the Cowboys’ 53-man roster in late August, only to be released two days later to clear roster space. He was subsequently re-added to the practice squad and elevated to the gameday roster in Weeks 2 and 3, where he logged 19 special-teams snaps. However, earlier this week, the Houston Texans lured Childress away with a slot on their regular roster, leaving the Cowboys with a vacancy that Ballentine now fills.
Reaction to the signing among fans has been mixed, with some questioning its immediate impact. As one user on X (formerly Twitter) pointed out, “More of a special teams player than actual DB.” Another fan quipped, “So we’re signing guys to the practice squad but not for help right now? Okay.” Still, others see the value in Ballentine’s experience and versatility, especially given the Cowboys’ current injury woes and the need for reliable depth as the season grinds on.
According to Cowboys insider Todd Archer, “The Cowboys have signed CB Corey Ballentine to the practice squad. He was let by the Patriots Tuesday and spent 2022-24 with the Packers. Replaces Zion Childress.” Archer’s report underscores the timing and strategic nature of the move, coming just days before Dallas faces two of Ballentine’s former teams in back-to-back weeks: the Packers in Week 4 and the Jets in Week 5.
Ballentine’s NFL journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Jamaica, he’s carved out a role as a dependable special teams contributor and spot starter, despite bouncing between teams and practice squads. In his 73 career games, he’s demonstrated resilience and adaptability—traits the Cowboys will surely value as they seek to stabilize their secondary and climb back into contention in the NFC East.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ season is already shaping up to be one of transition and intrigue. The absence of Parsons, Martin, and Lawrence has left leadership voids both on and off the field, and Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach is under the microscope. The team’s 1–2 start has heightened scrutiny, with every roster move and coaching decision dissected by fans and pundits alike. The upcoming matchup against the Packers is being billed as one of the week’s most anticipated NFL games, not just for the on-field action but for the subplots swirling around both franchises.
The offseason trade that sent Parsons to Green Bay and Clark to Dallas is still a hot topic. Many believe the Packers have already reaped the benefits, with Parsons making an immediate impact for their defense. For the Cowboys, integrating Clark and adjusting to life without their former defensive anchor is a work in progress. The Ballentine signing, while not as headline-grabbing as the Parsons-Clark deal, is another example of the constant roster churn and tactical maneuvering that defines life in the NFL.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will need all hands on deck as they face a tough stretch of games. After hosting the Packers, they’ll square off against the Jets—another of Ballentine’s former employers—in Week 5. The hope in Dallas is that Ballentine’s familiarity with both upcoming opponents will provide a subtle edge, whether on special teams or in spot duty at cornerback. With Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland still not at full strength, every bit of experience and insight counts.
As the Cowboys prepare for their Sunday night showdown, the addition of Corey Ballentine is a reminder that in the NFL, every roster spot matters. Whether he’s making tackles on special teams, filling in at corner, or offering intel on his former teams, Ballentine’s journey brings a new layer of depth and intrigue to a Cowboys squad hungry to turn their season around. The action is set to unfold under the bright lights in Dallas, with the stakes—and the storylines—higher than ever.
With Sunday’s game just around the corner, the Cowboys’ latest move signals both urgency and adaptability as they look to steady the ship and make a statement against the Packers. One thing’s certain: all eyes will be on Dallas as the drama continues to build.
