The Dallas Cowboys will have to begin the regular season without a key defensive player. The team announced on Saturday that star cornerback DaRon Bland will be out for an extended period of time due to an injury he sustained last week in training camp.

With Trevon Diggs returning from an ACL injury, the loss of Bland leaves a hole in Dallas’ already questionable secondary. The Pro Bowler will be forced to watch from the sidelines as another member of his cornerback staff tries to take his place for the time being.

Here’s everything you need to know about Bland’s injury, including an update on the Cowboys’ All-Pro cornerback’s foot issues that will keep him out for several weeks after surgery.

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Update on DaRon Bland’s injury

The Cowboys announced Saturday: “DaRon Bland experienced foot discomfort on Wednesday of last week during training camp in Oxnard. Subsequent imaging revealed a stress fracture in his foot.”

Bland, who led the league with nine interceptions last year, will have to undergo surgery for his injury. Dallas fans weren’t hoping for this news before the team’s final preseason game against the Chargers, but there is hope he will return during the regular season.

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When will DaRon Bland return?

Additionally, the team expects Bland to be out 6-8 weeks after undergoing surgery for the stress fracture. Although he will certainly miss the first half of the regular season, it is possible that Bland could be back on the first team in about two months.

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Cowboys CB Depth Chart

Potential replacements for Bland who are already with the Cowboys include veteran CJ Goodwin and rookie Caelen Carson. Goodwin only appeared in five games for Dallas last season but has been a consistent contributor to the team’s defense since 2019.

Carson has yet to be tested after being selected by Dallas out of Wake Forest in the fifth round of the 2024 draft. He made 42 total tackles in 11 games during his junior season before turning pro. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the team also has time to sign someone to take Bland’s place or sign a free agent before Week 1.

Here’s a look at the latest version of the Cowboys roster.