In the midst of a crucial season, the Dallas Cowboys are taking a significant step towards bolstering their defense by reopening the practice door for Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland. After undergoing surgery for a stress reaction in his left foot on August 26, Bland was forced to miss the team’s first five games, spending the early part of the season on injured reserve.
Coach Mike McCarthy remains cautious about Bland’s potential return to the field this Sunday against the Detroit Lions, citing the need to take things one day at a time. However, McCarthy expressed optimism about seeing Bland practice daily, acknowledging the cornerback’s dedication to his rehabilitation.
Bland’s return would be a welcome addition to a secondary that has been plagued by injuries. The Cowboys have yet to field their top three cornerbacks – Bland, Trevon Diggs, and Jourdan Lewis – simultaneously since Week 2 of last season. Diggs suffered a torn ACL in practice before their third game, while Lewis missed the season opener due to a serious foot injury.
Even if Bland does take the field against the Lions, it may be in a limited capacity. The team has relied on Amani Oruwariye, elevated from the practice squad, to start in recent games. With injuries to key pass rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, having a fully healthy secondary would provide a significant boost to the Cowboys’ defense.
As McCarthy noted, Bland’s rehabilitation has been ongoing, and his return to practice will mark an important milestone in his recovery. “He’s been working with [director of rehab Britt Brown], doing football movements and skills,” McCarthy said. “It will be good to see him out there and get some work today. And we’ll see where he is.”
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