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Todd Archer
FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland is preparing for a second surgery on his left foot, sources informed ESPN on Thursday.
Bland is currently seeking a second opinion, and a surgery date has yet to be finalized. Even if surgical intervention is not needed, it is likely he will be put on injured reserve with just three games remaining in the season, as he has not participated in practice this week.
Last season, Bland missed a total of 10 games following surgery on his fifth metatarsal in August 2024.
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During the training camp, Bland secured a four-year contract extension valued at $92 million, which came with a signing bonus of $22 million.
This season, he has already missed two games due to a bruise on his right foot. Across 12 games this year, he recorded 46 tackles, two tackles for loss, three quarterback pressures, six pass breakups, and one interception. His interception return for 68 yards in the victory against the Washington Commanders on October 19 marked his career’s sixth return touchdown.
In 2023, Bland achieved an NFL milestone, returning five interceptions for touchdowns to lead the league with nine interceptions, earning him the distinction of first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection. As a rookie in 2022, he topped the Cowboys’ interception stats with five picks.
With Bland’s potential absence, the Cowboys may consider activating fellow All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs from injured reserve. His practice window is approaching its deadline on Saturday.
Diggs has been sidelined since October 12 due to a concussion before being placed on injured reserve two weeks later because of a right knee injury. He expressed optimism about making a return against the Minnesota Vikings last week but was not included in the 53-man roster.
«Diggs has shown improvement in practice,» said defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. «We discussed his preparation, focus, and consistency last week, and he’s been performing well in practice this week.»
