Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Cowboys Announce Roster Move Before Chiefs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Nov 26, 2025 2:56 PM ET

The 5-5-1 Dallas Cowboys host the 6-5 Kansas City Chiefs for a Thanksgiving Day game on Thursday. The Cowboys are looking to stay hot following their comeback victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, winning 24-21 after being down 21-0.

After playing on Sunday, it's a short week for Dallas, meaning it's common for the injury report to have more names than usual. On Wednesday, the Cowboys announced cornerback Caelen Carson was questionable and ruled out offensive tackle Tyler Guyton.

The Cowboys' defense has been weak all season, ranking 29th in the NFL in total yards per game allowed (377.5). Potentially not having Carson, who has appeared in five games this season with two starts, would make the unit even weaker.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Whether or not he'll be available does not have to be announced until 90 minutes before kickoff. The Cowboys are playing it safe, though, announcing on Wednesday that cornerback Corey Ballentine has been elevated to the active roster.

"The @dallascowboys elevated DB Corey Ballentine from the practice squad for tomorrow’s game against Kansas City," the team's public relations X account wrote.

The @dallascowboys elevated DB Corey Ballentine from the practice squad for tomorrow’s game against Kansas City.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) November 26, 2025

The 29-year-old cornerback is in his seventh year in the NFL, having already appeared in at least one regular-season game for six teams. He's played just two games this year, one for Dallas and one for the New England Patriots.

Ballentine's most productive season came in 2023 with the Green Bay Packers. He was targeted 48 times, allowing 27 completions, 312 yards, two touchdowns and an 81.2 passer rating (career low).

Dallas is going up against one of the NFL's most explosive passing offenses, with the Chiefs ranking second in passing yards per game (257.7). In the event Carson is ruled out, activating Ballentine becomes crucial.

Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. ET Thursday at AT&T Stadium, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. ESPN BET places the Cowboys as 3.5-point underdogs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: