We have some breaking news out of Dallas, as the Cowboys have announced star Cornerback, DaRon Bland, has suffered a major injury to his left foot. The team is saying it is a “stress fracture”, and that after surgery the All-Pro will miss 6–8 weeks.
Cowboys CB DaRon Bland will undergo surgery for a stress fracture in his foot and is out six to eight weeks, per multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/NInCH5BRxw
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 24, 2024
It is the second long-term injury to hit the Cowboys defense this summer, following Defensive End Sam Williams tearing his ACL four weeks ago.
This injury sparks an unfortunate question: When will the Cowboys have their two star corners, Bland and Trevon Diggs, on the field at the same time? Diggs, of course, went down with an ACL injury of his own during the 2023 season.
The hype for the two being paired this season has been running hot, and now, at least for the first few weeks of the season, that dream is dead.
So what does this mean for both Bland and the defense?
DaRon Bland: Familiar with Adversity
There is no way around it, this flat out sucks for DaRon Bland. Coming off a record-breaking 2023 season, his stock went through the roof, especially when paired with Diggs.
Not to mention, the recovery from this won’t be easy. Stress fractures are rough, and foot surgery for a cornerback is a major deal.
Source – the injury to Bland's left foot is to the fifth metatarsal. DeMarcus Lawrence (10 games), Dez Bryant (6) and James Washington have needed similar surgeries, however, their injuries were full fractures, not a stress fracture. (Not a doctor, but told there's a difference)
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 24, 2024
He’ll have to work hard to get the confidence and strength back in his feet in order to play full-speed once he returns.
That said, don’t think for a second that Bland isn’t ready for this challenge.
Bland was a 5th round pick who started his collegiate career at Sacramento State. Things have never been handed to him.
We know Bland is going to come back from this injury. The bigger question is, how does this affect the defense in the mean-time?
Caelen Carson Faces Increased Role
There is one massive change in responsibility after the Bland injury, and that is with rookie Cornerback Caelen Carson.
This 5th round pick is going to be thrust into the starting cornerback spot opposite of Diggs, and it won’t be the first time Dallas has faced that scenario.
As I mentioned, Bland was a 5th rounder, and he saw playing time because of injuries.
He took that opportunity and ran with it, and now the eyes are fully on Carson to pick up that mantle. Is it an unfair expectation that he can fill Bland’s shoes? Absolutely, but his talent is being underrated.
Carson has had a fantastic training camp, and the organization likes him a lot.
Major blow to Cowboys defense.
Rookie Caelen Carson has looked good _ very good _ in this camp but starting him Day One is a big ask. https://t.co/EuX7CrBBsC
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) August 24, 2024
Now, we are going to see if he can handle this promotion, and how the Cowboys defense as a whole changes with DaRon Bland out.
