We already knew that Dallas was down some defensive talent, a problem which started in Week 1 and got worse against Washington. Now we know who will get more playing time when the Cowboys meet the Ravens in Brazil: linebacker Justin Barron and defensive back Reddy Steward.
LB Justin Barron is now on the Cowboys' 53-man roster
In his second season as an undrafted LB prospect, Barron was signed to the 53 on Saturday after safety P.J. Locke was placed on injured reserve. It's a big moment for Barron, who spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad until the final two games of the season.
Barron did play last week as a call-up from the practice squad, along with veteran Curtis Robinson. They were needed after DeMarvion Overshown's Week 1 injury, plus with secondary injuries pulling key special teams players into more defensive work. That Dallas chose Barron to join the official roster over Robinson, who has more experience, is a nice statement for Barron's perceived growth.
He'll likely still be fourth fiddle behind Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham, and Shemar James against Baltimore, probably doing more on special teams than anything. But Barron should rotate in on some defensive snaps, and will be one injury away from a much larger role.
Some fans will be excited to see Barron in action. A converted safety from college, Barron grabbed headlines last month with three interceptions during the Cowboys' joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. He wasn't quite as dazzling in preseason games, but still flashed his athleticism and nose for the ball at times.
Reddy Steward called up from practice squad after multiple DB injuries
The Cowboys are missing two starters from the secondary, S Malik Hooker and CB Cobie Durant, along with key backup P.J. Locke. This led to Reddy Steward, a key roleplayer from last year's roster, getting called up from the practice squad.
Dallas is fortunate to have an asset like Steward on their practice team. He played all 17 games last year and started five, becoming their primary nickel corner. Steward was one of the few players who exceeded expectations on Matt Eberflus' defense, and was a tough cut in this year's camp.
Steward is best known for his CB work but did get looks at safety this summer as well. Versatility will be key as Dallas navigates their DB injuries, helping preserve some of their options with other players like Caleb Downs.
If Steward is being called up to play nickel CB, it may means we'll see more of Downs as a true safety than we have in the first two games. That may be necessary on passing downs given Markquese Bell's limitations in coverage.
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