Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

DaRon Bland Surgery Update Emerges Before Cowboys-Chargers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 7:01 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys star DaRon Bland suffered a foot injury in Sunday’s disappointing 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The All-Pro defensive back finished the game with four combined tackles (two solo) and one pass defended, but it wasn’t enough to help lift Dallas over the Vikings.

Bland’s injury, however, appears to be a serious issue. The one-time Pro Bowler was unable to practice on Wednesday in the Cowboys’ first session ahead of their Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. A new report surfaced on Thursday, which points to the notion that Bland’s season could now be over.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) returns an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders. Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Bland is currently in his fourth year with the Cowboys. He had a memorable second season with the team in 2023, finishing with All-Pro honors and a first-ever Pro Bowl appearance. He was limited to just seven games last season, but the 26-year-old has made waves again this season. In 12 appearances in 2025, Bland has registered a career-high 73 combined tackles (45 solo), three tackles for loss, six passes defended and one interception return touchdown.

Unfortunately, Bland's season may have now come to an end. ESPN’s Todd Archer reported on Thursday that the Cowboys star might need to undergo surgery to address his foot injury.

“Cornerback DaRon Bland is facing surgery on his left foot for the second time in as many years, according to multiple sources. Bland is seeking a second opinion. No surgery has been scheduled yet,” Archer posted on X.

The senior ESPN reporter went on to point out that even if Bland does not go under the knife, the injury appears significant enough to warrant placement on injured reserve. This would effectively spell the end of the season for the fourth-year DB.

Either way, the Cowboys will be without Bland for Sunday’s matchup against the Chargers. Dallas now has nothing left to play for other than pride after being officially eliminated from the playoffs with its Week 15 loss to Minnesota.

The Cowboys will host the Chargers on Sunday, with kickoff from AT&T Stadium scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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