The stage is set for an electrifying Sunday Night Football showdown as the Dallas Cowboys prepare to host the Green Bay Packers in a Week 4 clash that’s dripping with drama. With the return of superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons to Dallas—now donning the green and gold of the Packers after a blockbuster offseason trade—this game was already poised to be a headline-grabber. But the Cowboys just threw a curveball that has fans buzzing and critics crying foul.
In a move that’s raised eyebrows across the NFL, the Cowboys have signed former Green Bay starter Corey Ballentine to their practice squad just days before the highly anticipated matchup. According to Cowboys insider Todd Archer, Ballentine, a journeyman cornerback who started seven games over three seasons with the Packers, was recently released by the New England Patriots. Archer broke the news on Thursday, stating, “The Cowboys have signed CB Corey Ballentine to the practice squad. He was let go by the Patriots Tuesday and spent 2022-24 with the Packers. Replaces Zion Childress.”
The timing of the signing has sparked accusations of gamesmanship, with some fans on X alleging Dallas is “trying to cheat” by snagging a player with intimate knowledge of Green Bay’s defensive schemes. Ballentine, who notably covered Cowboys star wideout CeeDee Lamb in last season’s wild card playoff game—a 48-32 rout by the Packers—brings a unique perspective to the Dallas sideline. But not everyone is impressed.
The NFL community on X didn’t hold back, with many dismissing the signing as a minor move that fails to address Dallas’ more pressing needs. “More of a special teams player than actual DB,” one user scoffed, questioning Ballentine’s impact as a cornerback. Another fan vented, “So we’re signing guys to the practice squad but not for help right now? Okay.” A third user took a playful jab, dubbing the move “My funny Ballentine,” hinting at skepticism about its significance.
Despite the fan backlash, the Cowboys’ decision to bring in Ballentine could be a strategic play. His familiarity with Green Bay’s defensive playbook could offer Dallas a slight edge in preparation, even if he’s unlikely to see significant snaps on Sunday. The move underscores the high-stakes chess match between these two teams, who have a history of blockbuster roster swaps.
This game carries extra weight due to the offseason trade that sent Micah Parsons, one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents, to Green Bay in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Most analysts agree the Packers got the better end of the deal, and Green Bay fans are unlikely to let Cowboys Nation forget it. Parsons’ return to AT&T Stadium as an opponent is a bitter pill for Dallas fans, who are still reeling from a tumultuous offseason that saw key veterans like Zack Martin (retired) and DeMarcus Lawrence (signed elsewhere) depart.
The Cowboys, now under the leadership of first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, are struggling to find their footing. Sitting at 1–2 and third in the NFC East, Dallas is grappling with the growing pains of a roster overhaul. The absence of stalwarts like Martin, Lawrence, and Parsons has left noticeable gaps in team cohesion, making this matchup against a confident Packers squad all the more daunting.
Sunday’s clash isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a critical early-season test for both teams. For Dallas, a win could provide a much-needed spark to a season that’s off to a rocky start. For Green Bay, it’s a chance to cement their status as a contender while rubbing salt in the wound of their trade victory over Dallas. With Ballentine’s signing adding a layer of intrigue, all eyes will be on how the Cowboys leverage their new practice squad addition and whether they can contain a Packers offense bolstered by Parsons’ disruptive presence.