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The Dallas Cowboys have taken a major hit to their defense with the news that All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot. The injury, which occurred near the end of training camp in Oxnard, will require surgery, and Dallas announced on Saturday that Bland will be out for up to two months.
Bland, who led the NFL with nine interceptions last season-including an NFL-record five returned for touchdowns-felt discomfort in his foot during practice on Wednesday. Subsequent imaging revealed the stress fracture, leading to the decision for surgery. The Cowboys confirmed in a statement that Bland's recovery timeline is estimated at 6-8 weeks.
This injury leaves the Cowboys with a significant void in their secondary, especially with Trevon Diggs still working his way back from an ACL injury that kept him out for most of the 2023 season. While Diggs has returned to practice, the team has been cautious, limiting his reps as he continues his recovery.
Without Bland, the Cowboys' cornerback depth is set to be tested. The team currently has Diggs, veteran Jourdan Lewis, and recent additions like Andrew Booth, rookie Caelen Carson, and second-year player Eric Scott. The roster also includes Kemon Hall, Josh DeBerry, Josh Butler, and special teams ace C.J. Goodwin.
Bland's injury leaves Cowboys secondary shorthanded for 2024 season
Bland's absence is particularly challenging given the Cowboys' decision to move forward without veteran corner Stephon Gilmore, who signed with Minnesota this offseason. Dallas had expected to rely on Bland and Diggs as their top corners this year, but now they'll have to dig deeper into their depth chart for a replacement.
Fifth-round pick Caelen Carson and Andrew Booth, acquired via trade in early August, are potential candidates to fill in during Bland's absence.
Losing a player of Bland's caliber is a significant blow for the Cowboys, who were counting on him to be a key part of their defense. With an unusually quiet offseason behind them, the team may need to make a move to bolster their secondary as they prepare for the 2024 season.