Report: Cowboys Suffer Major Blow as Star Cornerback Sidelined for 6-8 Weeks Ahead of Season Opener
The Dallas Cowboys‘ defense took a major hit as All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is expected to miss 6-8 weeks due to a stress fracture in his left foot. Bland, who was instrumental in the Cowboys’ secondary last season, will undergo surgery after sustaining the injury during the team’s final preseason practice.
Despite the setback, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones remained optimistic. Jones believes Bland’s absence, while unfortunate, won’t significantly derail the team’s plans. Bland could potentially return by mid-October, just before the team’s bye week.
“We’ll certainly miss him, but we’ve got some depth at the position that can hold things together while he recovers,” Jones said.
#Cowboys All-Pro CB DaRon Bland will undergo surgery for a stress fracture in his foot and is out six to eight weeks, the team said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 24, 2024
With Bland sidelined, the Cowboys are fortunate to welcome back Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs for their season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Diggs, who missed the final 15 games of last season due to a torn ACL, will anchor the secondary alongside Jourdan Lewis, who impressed during the preseason.
The Cowboys are also considering other options to help fill the void left by Bland. Fifth-round rookie Caelen Carson and Andrew Booth, a recent acquisition from the Minnesota Vikings, will be asked to step up. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Carson’s ball-hawking skills during training camp, and the team is hopeful he can provide an immediate impact.
Bland’s injury has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some remain optimistic about the Cowboys’ depth, others fear the injury could hinder the team’s playoff aspirations. Social media has been buzzing with fan opinions, from disappointment to outright panic.
Losing Bland before the season begins is undoubtedly a blow to the Cowboys, as he and Diggs were expected to form one of the league’s top cornerback duos. However, the Cowboys are confident that their depth and the leadership of veteran players will help their younger corners adjust to their increased responsibilities. The next few weeks will be critical as Dallas looks to navigate this early challenge and keep their defense performing at a high level.
