The Dallas Cowboys’ injury-riddled defense may soon get a significant boost. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, who has been sidelined since the preseason due to a stress fracture in his left foot, could return to action this Sunday when the Cowboys face the Detroit Lions.
Bland was placed on injured reserve in late August, forcing him to miss at least four games. He didn’t suit up for last week’s game against Pittsburgh, but there’s hope that he’ll be ready to go for Week 6, even with the team’s bye week looming.
The Cowboys are expecting DaRon Bland back this week, even in a limited role. https://t.co/9a3s635fTQ
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) October 8, 2024
“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,” said Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones on Tuesday. “Short of a real setback, DaRon should be ready to dress and help us on the defensive side of the ball and the secondary.”
Bland’s return could coincide with the potential activation of rookie cornerback Caelen Carson, who has been limited in practice but could be ready for his first game of the season. If both players suit up, it will mark the first time Dallas has had its top-four corners—Bland, Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, and Carson—on the field together this year.
In other roster moves, the Cowboys have continued to make adjustments ahead of their matchup with the Lions, including practice squad call-ups and new signings. Dallas added wide receiver Seth Williams and linebacker Luiji Vilain to provide additional depth as they prepare for Week 6.
The Cowboys are signing WR Seth Williams and DE Luiji Vilain to practice squad after a workout Tuesday. The club also worked out WRs Denzel Mims, Dante Pettis, Chad Cota, QB Max Duggan and DE Shaka Toney. DE Carl Lawson will be called up to 53-man roster from practice squad.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 8, 2024
Williams, a 2021 sixth-round pick, has spent most of his career on the Broncos’ and Jaguars’ practice squads, logging just one catch so far. Vilain, an undrafted rookie in 2022, has bounced between the Browns, Panthers, and Vikings, making his NFL debut last season with three appearances for Minnesota.
As the Cowboys gear up for a challenging Week 6 battle, the return of key defensive players like Bland could make a critical difference for a unit that has been stretched thin by injuries.
