Cowboys CB DaRon Bland to Miss Two Months with Stress Fracture

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland will miss approximately two months due to a stress fracture in his foot. The injury, which was discovered during tests in California this week, will require surgery. Bland's absence leaves a void in the Cowboys' secondary as the team prepares for the return of Trevon Diggs, who missed most of last season with a knee injury.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland, who set an NFL record with five pick-sixes in 2023, will miss roughly two months due to a stress fracture in his foot. The team announced Saturday that the 25-year-old will undergo surgery to repair the injury.

Bland's absence is a significant blow to the Cowboys' defense, especially with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb currently holding out for a new contract. The Cowboys are counting on Bland to play a major role in their secondary, particularly with the return of Trevon Diggs, who missed all but two games last year after tearing a knee ligament. Diggs led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021.

Cowboys CB DaRon Bland to Miss Two Months with Stress Fracture

Bland made an immediate impact in his second season, earning All-Pro honors after leading the league with nine interceptions. His first pick-six last season came in the opener against the New York Giants, followed by one in Week 4 against New England and in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams.

The fourth return for a TD came in the 10th game against Carolina, tying the previous record shared by Philadelphia’s Eric Allen (1993), Kansas City’s Jim Kearney (1972), and Houston’s Ken Houston (1971). Bland broke the record the next week in a 45-10 victory against Washington.

Cowboys CB DaRon Bland to Miss Two Months with Stress Fracture

Bland was a fifth-round pick out of Fresno State in 2022 and has 14 interceptions in 34 games. His absence will put more pressure on Diggs to return to his All-Pro form and for other cornerbacks on the roster to step up.

The Cowboys are also dealing with uncertainty surrounding Lamb, who is holding out for a contract extension. Lamb had a breakout season in 2023, posting career-highs of 135 receptions, 1,749 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Without Lamb, the Cowboys' offense will be short-handed as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Cowboys CB DaRon Bland to Miss Two Months with Stress Fracture

The Cowboys are scheduled to begin their preseason schedule on Saturday, August 26th, against the Denver Broncos. Their regular season opener is set for September 11th against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.