Cowboys player DaRon Bland gets “optimistic” date for return from injury

When the Dallas Cowboys selected DaRon Bland 167th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, their scouts certainly couldn't have predicted what the Fresno State product would face in his first two seasons in the league.

Not only did DaRon Bland lead the league in interceptions (9) and interception yardage (209 yards) last season, he also set the NFL record for most defensive touchdowns in a season when he returned five of his nine interceptions. In addition, Bland shares the Super Bowl-era record for most interceptions in his first two NFL seasons (14) with Dallas Cowboys teammate Trevon Diggs and five-time All-Pro Marcus Peters.

Unfortunately, DaRon Bland suffered a stress fracture in his left foot during the Cowboys' training camp, landing the third-year cornerback on the injured list to begin the season. Bland underwent surgery on August 27, and his recovery time was estimated at 6-8 weeks. However, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are apparently optimistic that he could return in the earliest possible part of that timeframe.

“The Cowboys are optimistic that cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) will return by Week 5,” Fowler writes. “His recovery time is 6-8 weeks, and Dallas is fairly confident he can hit the early mark if all goes well.”

When DaRon Bland could If Dallas returns in Week 5, that would mean Dallas would only be playing with one (Lamar Jackson) of the NFL's best quarterbacks during that time frame. Otherwise, it would only be Deshaun Watson, Derek Carr and Daniel Jones to face without their All-Pro defensive back.

The Cowboys' defense wants to recover from the Wild Card debate

After finishing the regular season in the top five in both points and yards allowed, the Dallas Cowboys' defense was beaten 48-32 by the Green Bay Packers in their own stadium. They gave up over 400 total yards of offense, did not force a single turnover and suffered a disappointing postseason exit for the third consecutive year.

A transition from Dan Quinn to Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator may mean an adjustment period for the Cowboys, but the talent Dallas has on that side of the ball should help them remain one of the most dynamic defenses in the league. Star edge rusher Micah Parsons is entering his fourth season. After being limited to two games in the 2023 season due to a torn ACL, Trevon Diggs will return to the field this year.

And at some point, DaRon Bland will come back and try to build on his remarkable 2023 season.