Cowboys' Week 2 inactives headlined by All-Pro, former first-round pick

The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 2 against the New York Giants with a few notable absences that could impact the NFC East matchup on Sunday. Leading the group of inactives for Dallas in Week 2 is nickel/cornerback DaRon Bland.

Bland hit the injury report on Wednesday with a foot injury that is unrelated from the foot injury he suffered last season that caused him to miss a chunk of the year.

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The Cowboys are planning to utilize their depth at safety to make up for Bland's absence.

DaRon Bland at training camp — Jul 22, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cowboys announced the list of inactives an hour before kickoff on Sunday at AT&T Stadium:

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RB Jaydon Blue
CB DaRon Bland
LB Shemar James
DT Mazi Smith
OT Ajani Cornelius
OT Hakeem Adeniji
G Trevor Keegan

Mazi Smith versus Frank Ragnow — Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) battle. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Facing a shortage in the secondary, the Cowboys announced Zion Childress andRobert Rochell were elevated to the game-day roster for Week 2.

Along with Bland, defensive tackle Mazi Smith's absence could loom large for Dallas on Sunday. He was also inactive in Week 1 against the Eagles.

Running back Jaydon Blue was expected to make his debut for Week 2 after being heldout for the loss against the Eagles. However, Blue is again inactive due to the coaching staff's decision.

Dallas kicks off the home opener at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday against the New York Giants.

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