The Dallas Cowboys get an easier, get-right game on Sunday against the New York Giants, after a closely fought loss to the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener last Thursday.
However, they will have to do so without their newly-extended All-Pro cornerback, DaRon Bland, who signed a 4 year, $92 million contract at the end of August, as he has been ruled out of week two with a foot injury.
Bland currently fills the nickel role, although he has experience also playing on the outside – something that may resume later on in 2025, or in 2026.
As such, the Cowboys will need to find a replacement for him – at least for this upcoming game. And whilst veteran, CJ Goodwin, or rookie seventh round pick for the Chargers – now on Dallas’ roster – Trikweze Bridges, both make sense as options, it seems like head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, may be leaning in a different direction.
New Faces Expected To Step Up In DaRon Bland’s Absence
Speaking to Shan Shariff, RJ Choppy and Bobby Belt on 105.3 The FAN on Friday, Schottenheimer revealed that they will likely have a safety playing in the role.
“We’ll have some safeties playing in the nickel spot, we’ll do some things like that.” Schottenheimer said on Friday.
The Cowboys head coach was also effusive in his praise for his injured cornerback, noting his impressive versatility on the field, being able to switch seemlessly between the perimeter and the slot.
Yet, whilst a safety could take some snaps at the position – per Schottenheimer, the man himself – according to beat reporter, Joseph Hoyt, also stated that backup slot cornerback, Reddy Steward, may play a sizeable role in Sunday’s defensive setup.
“You’re going to see Reddy Steward play a lot of football.” The Cowboys head coach stated ahead of week two.
What Is The Outlook For The Cowboys’ Defense In Week 2?
The good news is that Dallas is facing a Russell Wilson-led Giants offense that managed just 178 yards passing in week one, with the team’s running back room of Tyrone Tracy, Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary combining for just 30 total yards rushing.
New York’s head coach, Brian Daboll, has stated that the team will stick with Wilson through week two, although he said on Wednesday – notably – that the team’s first round rookie quarterback, Jaxson Dart is “ready to play“.
As such, the Cowboys defense should have a substantially easier time, defending both the passing and rushing attack from a team who could well end up with another top-five draft pick in 2026.
Reddy Steward has played in just two games since being taken in by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2024, managing just one career tackle.
So it is certainly an intriguing development – and one that reflects well on his training camp showings – that the Cowboys and Schottenheimer have seemingly deemed him to be ready for a multiple snap game as a borderline starter in week two.
If Steward proves not able to cut the mustard, Dallas’ options at safety to come down include Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas.
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