The Dallas Cowboys finally received the good news they’ve been waiting for. After two weeks on the sideline, their All-Pro cornerback has been cleared to return and will suit up in Week 4.
DaRon Bland is officially back. Team doctors confirmed he has fully recovered from the foot injury that sidelined him, and he will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup just in time for a crucial matchup.
His absence was glaring. In Week 1 against the Eagles, Dallas allowed just 144 passing yards with Bland on the field. But over the next two games without him, the defense surrendered a staggering 720 yards through the air.
Bland, who led the NFL with nine interceptions and five pick-sixes in 2023, signed a four-year, $90 million contract earlier this month with $49.3 million guaranteed. Now, the Cowboys’ investment gets its chance to pay off again.
The cornerback had re-injured the same foot that cost him most of the 2024 season, but this time, his recovery progressed faster than expected. Medical clearance came this week, paving the way for his return.
“He’s ready,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “We need his instincts and his ball skills to get this defense back on track.”
Owner Jerry Jones echoed that optimism: “We invested a lot in him, and now it’s time for Bland to reward that faith with the kind of playmaking that makes him special.”
With Bland’s return, the expected debut of Jadeveon Clowney, and the looming comeback of rookie Shavon Revel, the Cowboys believe their defense can steady itself just long enough to weather injuries on the offensive side of the ball.
