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The Dallas Cowboys will be without All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland when they face the New York Giants on Sunday, and the bad news stretches beyond just one game. Bland suffered a right foot injury during Monday’s practice, and according to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the setback is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks.
The injury reportedly occurred in training earlier this week, and while details remain limited, the timeline rules him out of Week 2 and possibly more. It’s a frustrating blow for both the player and the team, as the Cowboys are already facing pressure after an opening loss against the Eagles in Week 1.
Bland featured prominently in the Week 1 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, playing 24 of his 62 defensive snaps in the slot. While he missed three tackles, he largely held up in coverage, allowing only two receptions for 11 yards, per Pro Football Focus. His presence will certainly be missed as the Cowboys prepare to take on a Giants offense eager to bounce back from its own shaky start. The hope for Dallas is that his absence doesn’t weigh too heavily on a defense already dealing with roster shifts after the offseason trade of Micah Parsons.
The 26-year-old is unfortunately no stranger to foot issues. Last season, Bland missed the first 10 games due to a stress fracture in his left foot suffered in training camp. The setback required surgery and delayed his 2024 debut until Week 12. While the Cowboys have clarified that this latest injury is unrelated, the optics are hard to ignore: two significant foot problems in as many seasons.
When healthy, Bland has proven to be one of the NFL’s premier playmakers at his position. A fifth-round pick in 2022, he burst onto the scene with a historic 2023 campaign, leading the league with nine interceptions and setting NFL records for most pick-sixes (five) and most defensive touchdowns in a season. His breakout year earned him first-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl nod, cementing him as a cornerstone in the Dallas secondary.
That dominance didn’t go unnoticed by the front office. Just before the start of the 2025 season, the Cowboys rewarded him with a four-year, $92 million extension, $50 million of it guaranteed, making him the sixth-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. It was a strong signal of confidence in Bland’s ability to anchor their defensive backfield for years to come.
For now, Dallas will have to look elsewhere. The Cowboys are expected to turn to the likes of Reddy Steward, C.J. Goodwin, or rookie Trikweze Bridges to fill the void in the short term. None brings the same pedigree or game-changing ability, but with Bland on the mend, the team will need them to step up quickly.
Bland’s absence is a setback, but the Cowboys will be hoping it proves temporary. If he can return without lingering effects, Dallas still has one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the game under contract through 2029. The real concern is ensuring these recurring foot injuries don’t become a long-term trend for a player who has already shown he can transform games with a single play.
“No timetable,” Cowboys’ Matt Eberflus addresses DaRon Bland’s Injury
While the general consensus has been that DaRon Bland will be sidelined for multiple weeks, Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus struck a slightly different note on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, Eberflus explained that there is currently no set timetable for the All-Pro cornerback’s return. He also acknowledged the frustration of losing such a key player but emphasized that Bland is already working closely with the medical staff as he begins the recovery process.
“It’s obviously unfortunate for him,” Eberflus said. “He’ll be working with the medical staff. No timetable. I do know that we got guys that are ready to play in there at the nickel spot, but also we’re also looking at different personnel groups that we can also, you know, slide in there and take some of those reps and variations of that,”
The timing of this injury is particularly difficult for the Cowboys, who are not only adjusting after trading Micah Parsons in the offseason but are also easing fellow All-Pro Trevon Diggs back from the knee injury that ended his 2024 campaign.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What injury did DaRon Bland suffer in practice?
Bland sustained a right foot injury during Monday’s practice, which is expected to keep him sidelined for multiple weeks.
How long will DaRon Bland be out for the Cowboys?
While early reports suggest he could miss several weeks, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has said there is currently no official timetable for his return.
Has DaRon Bland dealt with foot injuries before?
Yes. In 2024, Bland missed the first 10 games of the season with a stress fracture in his left foot, though the Cowboys have clarified that this current injury is unrelated.
Who will replace DaRon Bland in the Cowboys’ secondary?
Dallas is expected to lean on depth options such as Reddy Steward, C.J. Goodwin, or rookie Trikweze Bridges, while also experimenting with different personnel groupings.
