In a devastating blow to the Dallas Cowboys, star cornerback DaRon Bland is set to miss the first 6-8 weeks of the 2024 regular season due to a stress fracture in his foot, the team announced. The loss of Bland, a 2023 First-Team All-Pro and the NFL interceptions leader and single-season pick-six record holder last year, is a major setback for the team.
According to the team’s statement, Bland first experienced discomfort in his foot during training camp in Oxnard, California, prompting further imaging tests that revealed the stress fracture. The 25-year-old will undergo surgery to address the injury, leaving a significant void in the Cowboys’ secondary.
Dallas had high hopes for their defense this season, with Bland and star cornerback Trevon Diggs set to anchor the unit. Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2021 interceptions leader, missed most of last season with a torn ACL. Now, the team will turn to fifth-round pick Caelen Carson out of Wake Forest to step up in Bland’s absence.
Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons praised Carson’s performance in training camp, noting that the young cornerback has been impressive in practice. With Carson expected to see significant playing time in Bland’s absence, the team is hopeful that their newfound depth at the cornerback position will help mitigate the loss.
Despite the setback, Parsons remains optimistic about the team’s chances this season, emphasizing the importance of depth and preparation. The Cowboys will need to rely on their defense to step up in Bland’s absence and continue their push for a playoff spot in the highly competitive NFC East.
As the Cowboys prepare to kick off the 2024 regular season without one of their defensive stars, the team will look to rally around Carson and their remaining defensive playmakers to keep their postseason hopes alive. The road ahead will be challenging, but Dallas remains determined to overcome adversity and achieve success on the gridiron.