Cowboys Provide Update on DaRon Bland's Looming Injury Return

The Dallas Cowboys are patiently awaiting the return of All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland to the starting lineup. Bland underwent surgery last month for a stress fracture in his foot that would keep him off the field for 6-8 weeks.

Understandably, this was devastating news for the Cowboys as they were looking forward to having Bland and Trevon Diggs playing opposite of each other to start the 2024 season.

Nonetheless, head coach Mike McCarthy gave an update on the injured corner Tuesday as the Cowboys prepare to play the New York Giants.

According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, McCarthy said he’ll know more about whether Bland can return to practice after the Giants game.

Without Bland on the boundary to begin the 2024 season, the Cowboys have started rookie cornerback Caelen Carson. The former Wake Forest standout has held his own against NFL competition, recording 15 combined tackles and two pass deflections this season.

The rookie cornerback has a 62.5 completion percentage allowed on targets and a 111.2 pass rating allowed when targeted. But Carson has only given up one touchdown, which isn’t bad for a rookie selected in the fifth round.

Dallas cannot wait to add Bland back into the fold as he was one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL last season. 

In 2023, Bland had 69 combined tackles, 15 pass deflections, nine interceptions (league-high), and scored five defensive touchdowns (NFL best). 

Simply put, it was one of the best seasons we’ve seen from a cornerback in recent memory. When he does return to the field, Dallas hopes Bland can continue to make big plays this season.

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