Brian Schottenheimer reveals Cowboys are working on a creative solution to the biggest problem they have ahead of Giants matchup
The Cowboys will be without their starting nickel cornerback on Sunday.
The Dallas Cowboys have ruled out cornerback DaRon Bland due to a foot injury ahead of Sunday’s Week 2 matchup versus the New York Giants. Bland’s absence raises concern for a defense that lacks an established backup at nickel cornerback.
The Cowboys’ best options from the cornerback room is Reddy Steward, who was claimed off waivers one week before the start of the regular season. Undrafted rookie Zion Childress could also be an option provided Dallas uses a practice squad elevation on him. However, experience is a problem. Both combine for 18 career defensive snaps, all of which are Steward’s.
That’s why the Cowboys appear to be exploring a creative solution to their defensive backfield problem. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer teased the team’s plan during his Friday appearance on 105.3 The Fan.
Brian Schottenheimer says Cowboys could play safeties at nickel
“It just limits your ability to move some things around,” said Schottenheimer about Bland’s injury. “And what we’ll do is we’ll have some safeties playing in the nickel spot. We’ll do some things like that.”
The Cowboys looking outside the cornerback room for relief shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, in the NFL, you need to find ways to get your best players on the field. Chances are Dallas’ coaching staff believes safety Juanyeh Thomas is a better overall player than Steward or Childress at the moment. Thomas saw playing time at nickel throughout the Cowboys’ offseason so I’d expect him to be the chosen one for the task. Markquese Bell is another backup safety that could get some snaps.
What is clear though is that the Cowboys will miss Bland on Sunday. Even if Matt Eberflus runs a “big nickel package” (three safeties) versus the Giants, he’ll probably be forced to use Steward and Childress in passing downs to match up with slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson’s speed and agility.
Schottenheimer offered no timetable for Bland’s return. Earlier in the week, ESPN reported he’d miss “a couple of weeks.” In a later press conference, the Cowboys coach added the Cowboys aren’t thinking about placing him on Injured Reserve.
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