DaRon Bland is getting closer to suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys again after making solid progress in his recovery from a foot injury that kept him out all of September. The All-Pro cornerback, who hasn’t yet played in Mike Zimmer’s defense, has been healing well since his surgery.
On Wednesday, the Cowboys officially opened Bland’s 21-day practice window. This means he’s back practicing with the team, and they now have until October 30 to activate him. If not activated by then, he’ll go on season-ending injured reserve, which would keep him out until 2025.
Head coach Mike McCarthy is cautiously optimistic about Bland’s return but wants to see how he looks in practice. “Bland will be on a pitch count [in practice],” McCarthy said. “He’s been working with Britt [Brown], doing all the football steps, so we’ll get him out there and see where he is.”
While they’ll take it slow, Cowboys executive Stephen Jones hinted that Bland might return soon. “I think DaRon Bland has a real chance… I don’t know if he’ll play the whole game, but I think he’s ready to start mixing it up,” Jones said. “Short of a setback, DaRon should be ready to dress and help us out.”
In Bland’s absence, rookie Caelen Carson has been filling in, but the secondary has dealt with injuries across the board, including Carson’s recent shoulder injury. Getting Bland back, especially with his impressive track record of leading the NFL in interceptions and pick-sixes last season, would be a big boost for the Cowboys as they gear up for a tough game against the Detroit Lions.
While there’s no set date for Bland’s return, there’s a chance we could see him on the field as soon as this Sunday. His return couldn’t come at a better time as the Cowboys look to bolster their defense ahead of a key matchup.
