The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been nothing short of embarrassing through six weeks of the 2025 season. They're giving up points at an alarming rate, unable to stop the pass or the run. Even mediocre offenses have looked like elite units against this squad.
It looks like reinforcements could be on the way soon. Rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. is taking steps toward a return from injury, though he does not have a set timeline.
While the Cowboys can't expect a rookie to solve all of their problems on defense, Revel Jr. could provide a huge boost to a group that desperately needs it.
Shavon Revel Jr. inching toward Cowboys debut
Cowboys insider Nick Harris shared an encouraging update on the young defender this week. He said, "Rookie CB Shavon Revel Jr. (knee) is still waiting to be cleared for his first NFL practice, much less game, but it was good to see him back out with the rehab group during the media portion of practice for the first time in a few weeks."
Harris added that there is still no official timeline for his debut.
Revel Jr. suffered an ACL injury early in his final collegiate season at East Carolina University. Prior to the injury, he was viewed as one of the top cornerback prospects in the country and a potential first-round draft pick. Instead, he fell all the way to the third round, where the Cowboys scooped him up with the 76th overall selection.
The pick was praised as a steal, but he was always going to take time to make his NFL debut. There have been some setbacks along the way in his recovery, leading to frustration among fans. Originally, the Cowboys hoped to have the rookie back on the field by the start of the regular season. The unofficial timeline has continued to be pushed back, further delaying the much-anticipated debut. Hopefully, this news is a sign that his return could come soon.
The Cowboys are in desperate need of help, especially in the secondary. Cornerbacks Kaiir Elam and Trevon Diggs have been struggling to keep up with opposing receivers this season. Dallas has allowed the most passing yards per game in the NFL this year. Without a dominant pass rush to speed up opposing quarterbacks, their secondary has been exposed in brutal fashion.
Revel Jr. might not be the answer to Dallas' defensive woes, but he could certainly help.