DaRon Bland's stint on the shelf tests Dallas's secondary, coming as Week 2 pits the Cowboys against Malik Nabers. Week 1’s shutdown of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith showed the unit's ceiling, but depth is now under the microscope. Dallas elevates Zion Childress and Robert Rochell and brings Ryan Flournoy back, signaling a rotation-heavy approach. Expect Nabers to draw a primary ghost of targets, while the revamped depth will shape DFS and fantasy lineups.

Dallas signs Ryan Flournoy to the 53-man roster, restoring a familiar WR depth option after a brief waiver and practice-squad spell. With Perrion Winfrey landing on IR, the roster move locks in an experienced pass-catcher for Week 2 and beyond.

In the secondary, Zion Childress and Robert Rochell are elevated from the practice squad as DaRon Bland nurses a foot injury, boosting corner depth for a Giants test and a high-powered Eagles offense in the home opener.

These shuffles underscore Dallas’ emphasis on versatile depth across offense and defense while navigating injuries and a demanding early schedule.

Dallas ruled out DaRon Bland for Sunday against the Giants with a foot injury, offering little clarity on a return timeline. The Cowboys won’t IR him yet, signaling a likely return before four weeks if possible. With Bland out, Reddy Steward projects as the primary slot man, aided by familiarity with Cowboys coaches from Chicago and the Bears connection to their staff. Zion Childress could get a look from the practice squad or safety-based packages could be deployed. Dallas hits a testy stretch: Giants, Bears, Packers, Jets.

Steward’s path is shaded by past stints with Matt Eberflus, Andre Curtis and David Overstreet in Chicago, which should ease his transition. The plan will hinge on how quickly Bland can return, and how the defense adjusts to cover the slot without their top nickel option. The timeline remains fluid, but the approach centers on depth and smart matchups.