Amid the many challenges facing the Dallas Cowboys, including several self-inflicted issues, the team has been significantly impacted by injuries this season. One notable injury is to cornerback DaRon Bland, who has been sidelined for a while due to a stress fracture in his foot, first reported in late August.
The Cowboys opened Bland’s 21-day practice window ahead of their game against the Detroit Lions, a week before their bye. The timing of this decision raised some eyebrows, especially since six weeks have passed since then.
However, according to team owner Jerry Jones, Bland is expected to make his season debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
Last year, Bland made a name for himself by turning interceptions into touchdowns, setting the NFL record for most interceptions returned for scores in a single season. Coincidentally, he achieved this milestone during the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game against the Commanders—the same team they’ll face this Sunday.
While the Cowboys’ current season is effectively a lost cause, Bland will be eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Naturally, he’ll be eager to recapture the form that made him a standout last year as he looks to maximize his value.