9:45 a.m. — When Caelen Carson takes the field for what will be his first ever regular season game for the Dallas Cowboys, he'll do so under a tremendous amount of pressure to replace an injured DaRon Bland.
That pressure is now ratcheted up by his jersey selection, because the rookie fifth-round pick will wear No. 21 to begin his NFL career.
"He's shown that the moment isn't too big for him," said head coach Mike McCarthy. "He's got great instincts and ball skills. … He's done a really good job."
The number was made legendary by none other that Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, having also been donned by Ezekiel Ellliott (in his first stint) and, in 2023, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.