DaRon Bland could make his season debut Sunday when the Dallas Cowboys host the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. The cornerback has missed the first five games of the year due to a a stress fracture in his foot, but Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones sounded optimistic about his chances to play.
“I think DaRon Bland has a real chance,” he said. “I don’t know if he’ll play the whole game but I think he’s ready to start mixing it up. 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 is coming off of a breakout season in 2023 during which he led the league with nine interceptions, including five returned for a touchdown — an NFL record. He added 15 passes defended to earn his first career Pro Bowl appearance and was named first team All-Pro.
Bland should be expected to start at cornerback once he’s fully healthy and team up with Trevon Diggs to create one of the toughest duos in the league for opposing receivers. Dallas currently ranks 11th in the NFL in passing defense and will only improve with him back in the lineup.
Dallas kicks off against the Lions at 3:25 p.m. CT on Sunday.
Micah Parsons injury update: Mike McCarthy reveals latest on Cowboys LB’s chances vs. Lions
Although the Cowboys could get one defensive star back, another could miss Sunday’s game. Linebacker Micah Parsons suffered an ankle injury that caused him to miss Week 5’s game against the Giants.
Dallas coach Mike McCarthy offered an updated on his status on Monday.
“He’s got some work to do,” McCarthy said on Monday via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “We knew this week would be a stretch.”
McCarthy added it’s too early in the week to make a final decision on whether Parsons will play, positive for Dallas or not. Wednesday is likely when more information will be available after the Cowboys get through a few days of practice.
On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.
