Cowboys Stun Fans by Activating Former CB Star – Can the Ex-Packers 2019 Draft Gem Rewrite His Legacy?QQ
In a move that’s sure to send shockwaves through the NFL landscape, the Dallas Cowboys are bringing back a familiar face to bolster their beleaguered secondary. With injuries piling up at the cornerback position, the team has elevated veteran Corey Ballentine from the practice squad ahead of their high-stakes Week 13 clash against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day.
The Cowboys’ cornerback room has been hit hard once again this season. Second-year standout Caelen Carson, who has shown marked improvement across his five appearances, is nursing a hamstring injury and listed as questionable for the matchup against the defending AFC champions. To mitigate the risk, Dallas is taking no chances, opting to add extra depth by promoting Ballentine to the active roster.
This marks the third elevation for Ballentine this season—the maximum allowed for practice squad players. His journey back to the field has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Initially elevated in Week 1 while with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, he logged one tackle in that game. Released in late September, Ballentine quickly found a new home with the Cowboys. He was elevated once more in Week 4 for Dallas’ tilt against the Green Bay Packers, where he added another tackle to his tally, bringing his season total to two.
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Ballentine’s NFL odyssey began as a sixth-round pick out of Washburn University by the New York Giants in 2019. Since then, he’s bounced around six franchises, but his most productive stint came with the Green Bay Packers. Over 37 games in Green Bay, including seven starts, Ballentine racked up impressive numbers: 43 tackles, seven pass defenses, and one interception in the 2023 season alone, where he started six of his 14 appearances.
One memorable moment from his Packers tenure came against the Seattle Seahawks, where Ballentine teamed up with linebacker Jamon Johnson to celebrate after a muffed punt recovery—a play that highlighted his opportunistic playmaking ability.
After spending time with the Indianapolis Colts and rejoining the Packers during the offseason, Ballentine was released by Green Bay on August 26. A brief stop in New England followed before landing in Dallas. Now, this 2019 draft gem is poised for a potential comeback, offering experience and versatility to a Cowboys defense in need of reinforcements.
As Dallas prepares to face Patrick Mahomes and the potent Chiefs offense, Ballentine’s elevation could prove pivotal. Will this shocking return spark a turnaround for the Cowboys’ secondary? Fans will be watching closely as the former starter steps back into the spotlight.
