The Dallas Cowboys didn't just suffer an embarrassing loss in their season opener, they lost one of the intricate parts of their defense. Safety, Jayron Kearse, suffered an MCL sprain and will be absent for the next 2-4 weeks.

In the past, this would have been a major issue for the Cowboys with their lack of depth at the safety position. Things are different these days though as they have multiple options to turn to outside of their starters at safety, and one, in particular, is ready to step up to the plate.

Markquese Bell is a player that has gained a lot of fan support since the NFL draft. Now, with Kearse out for a while, the former Florida A&M Rattler will be called upon to fill in, and he's more than up for the challenge.

“If you stay ready you ain’t gotta get ready," said Bell.

The task for Bell won't be an easy one. Kearse was excellent for the Cowboys' defense in 2021 with his ability to play in the box against and give run support as well as cover slot receivers and tight ends, which led to him receiving the green dot to get the defensive play call from Dan Quinn.

However, the former UDFA has a chance to not only prove he belongs in the NFL, he can help keep the Cowboys defense afloat. At least, until Kearse is healthy enough to return.

Kearse led the Cowboys in tackles with 101 and set career highs in interceptions (2) and passes defended (10). Fortunately, the diverse skill set of Bell mirrors that of Kearse as a hybrid safety-linebacker that can give Quinn several ways to attack. With the Cowboys' relying a lot on their Big Nickel package that features three safeties, highlighted by the versatility of Kearse, Bell will be an important link in the chain for the next few weeks.

Bell confirmed the Cowboys' pre-draft infatuation with him as one of their 30 visitors with his work in training camp. He doubled down on that in the preseason as he compiled 10 tackles (nine solo tackles), a pass defended, and a quarterback hit. Also, he capped it all off with an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in the preseason finale which was the icing on the cake for him earning a spot on the Cowboys' final roster.

Bell won't be alone when it comes to filling on for Kearse. Safety, Israel Mukuamu, who also had a good preseason, could share duties with Bell in Kearse's absence. Also, there's Donovan Wilson, another safety with a similar skill set to Kearse who will have to step up as well.

This is the type of opportunity undrafted players dream of, to show why they belong. Bell, you're up, sir.

Feature image via Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports