Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys lose key defensive starter for six to eight weeks

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Aug 24, 2024 3:51 PM ET

Following one of the NFL's most lackluster and disappointing offseasons, the Dallas Cowboys face a rocky start to their regular season.

Not only is superstar wide receiver CeeDee Lamb still sitting out amid a contract dispute, but on Saturday, the team found out that Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland is going to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his foot.

Cowboys CB Daron Bland to undergo surgery to repair stress fracture in foot, will miss 6-8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/LUnkUMO4yy
— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2024

Bland was one of the league's most impactful cornerbacks in his first two years in the NFL, having intercepted 14 passes. That includes a league-leading nine interceptions a year ago, five of which he returned for touchdowns. That impact made him a Pro Bowl selection and a first-team All-Pro.

This is the second year in a row the Cowboys have dealt with a major injury to one of their top cornerbacks.

Star cornerback Trevon Diggs was limited to just two games after suffering a season-ending injury early in the 2023 season.

Now Bland is going to open this season sidelined.

When healthy, the Diggs-Bland pairing is one of the best cornerback duos in the league. The Cowboys have not had a chance to see much of it over the past two years.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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