Dallas faces Green Bay on SNF with two starting OL out, forcing a shift to Brock Hoffman at center and TJ Bass at right guard. The line vocalizes a five-as-one ethic, prioritizing first- and second-down efficiency to curb the Packers’ pass rush and power a run game led by Javonte Williams. Micah Parsons returns to prime-time glare as Dallas balances protection and pressure, while the defense, already tested by injuries, eyes a strategic edge against a Packers receiving corps led by Romeo Doubs. A veteran CB addition, Corey Ballentine, strengthens a thin Cowboys secondary, which must withstand a March of matchups featuring Belton, Doubs, and Golden.

The question of must-win status lingers as Dallas navigates a tough stretch without Lamb and Booker, leaning on Prescott to minimize miscues and capitalize on opportunities when the defense tightens. The storyline threads—OL resilience, Parsons’ impact, and a bolstered secondary—shape a high-stakes Week 4 clash that will influence early-season momentum and fantasy rostering choices.

Key matchups and strategic themes emerge: protect the QB while pressuring Green Bay’s offense; Cowboys’ secondary vs Packers’ receivers; and the surrounding roster shuffles as injuries loom. The game could redefine the Cowboys’ ceiling this fall, particularly if the line holds up and the defense recovers its disruptive edge in prime time.

Patriots add Cory Durden to the 53-man roster and promote Corey Ballentine and Mark Robinson, while Jeremiah Pharms Jr. is released. Durden has appeared in eight NFL games for 13 tackles; Ballentine owns 69 games with 67 tackles, one INT and two forced fumbles; Robinson has 34 tackles in 38 games with a sack; Pharms Jr. logged 28 games with 42 tackles and two sacks.

The club opens at Gillette against the Raiders, testing new interior and secondary depth. Durden could spell run-stuffing duties, Ballentine provides veteran CB depth and special-teams value, and Robinson adds linebacker versatility. Pharms Jr.’s departure tightens a crowded roster; early fantasy takeaways point to increased Patriots defensive depth and rotational roles rather than immediate starter production.

New England released Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and elevated Cory Durden from the practice squad, swapping one interior defender for another as Week 1 vs. Las Vegas approaches. They also bumped up Corey Ballentine and Mark Robinson, boosting depth at corner and linebacker. If Pharms clears waivers, he could land back on the practice squad, but Durden’s promotion signals the Patriots’ plan to rotate front-seven bodies and lean on versatile linemen early.