The Micah Parsons-less Dallas Cowboys defense fared better than expected in their 2025 regular-season opening loss to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. It was a gritty collective effort, spearheaded by DaRon Bland's presence in coverage. However, a brutally unfortunate practice injury the ensuing week could sideline the star cornerback for multiple games.
It's bad enough that the Cowboys signed Bland to a four-year, $92 million contract extension less than a month before seeing him go down. Yet, somehow, his latest foot ailment is even more concerning when realizing the team's in-house solutions (or lack thereof).
Dallas has two options while Bland is out "as it currently stands," per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. They can start undrafted second-year corner Reddy Steward, who was recently claimed off waivers. Alternatively, the Cowboys can promote UDFA rookie Zion Childress from the practice squad, a move that figures to happen regardless for depth purposes.
As it currently stands, the Cowboys have two options in Bland’s absence:
1. Start newly acquired Reddy Steward who has just two games of NFL experience
2. Elevate Zion Childress from the practice squad to start for his NFL debut (he will be elevated anyway for depth) https://t.co/fkcYQIIA29
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) September 10, 2025
Cowboys' DaRon Bland replacements leave them stuck between a rock and a hard place
Whether the Cowboys roll with Steward or Childress, one thing is clear: neither will be a one-for-one replacement for Bland. If there's any silver lining, Dallas' secondary is one of its more well-rounded units, which should help mask the downgrade better than other clubs. Nonetheless, being without the 2023 All-Pro for any amount of time is a crushing blow.
As Harris outlines, Steward has just two games of NFL experience to his name. To minimalize it even more, the Troy product logged 23 total snaps across his pair of appearances (18 defensive, five special teams). The lack of pedigree and reps is concerning, especially when filling in for someone of Bland's stature, and this is somehow the more experienced choice.
Childress will be making his pro debut when/if the Cowboys activate him to the gameday roster. Hegenerated some buzz over the summer, earning solid Pro Football Focus (PFF) preseason marks, particularly against the run and in coverage. Be that as it may, does Dallas want to put such great onus on the converted safety this early into his unheralded career?
Desperate times call for desperate measures, which the Cowboys are experiencing firsthand. Having to pick between Steward or Childress in relief of Bland is a tough reality to face, but here they are. Scouring the free agency market is always a possibility, though that isn't much better, if at all.
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