Cowboys CB DaRon Bland expected to play vs. Buccaneers in playoffs
Dallas Cowboys rookie cornerback DaRon Blan had to exit Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders after suffering a chest injury. Fortunately, the injury doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep Bland out of next week's playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Michael Gehlken from the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys aren't concerned […]
Dallas Cowboys rookie cornerback DaRon Blan had to exit Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders after suffering a chest injury.
Fortunately, the injury doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep Bland out of next week's playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to Michael Gehlken from the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys aren't concerned about the rookie's status moving forward.
This is a major deal for the Dallas Cowboys. Dan Quinn's defense is already very shorthanded at the position as the team lacks a starting-caliber outside cornerback opposite of Trevon Diggs.
Losing Bland in the slot would've been a major blow to the defense. Bland has done an impressive job filling in for Jourdan Lewis since the veteran suffered a season-ending injury in Week 7.
The fact that Bland plays inside shouldn't be perceived as him being "CB3" at the moment. Nickel defenders are as important as ever in the modern NFL and the rookie has been one of the most impressive defensive backs for the Cowboys this season.
That's highlighted when facing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that features wide receiver Chris Godwin in the slot. Losing Bland would've left one good cornerback against Tom Brady.
That's not a recipe for success. Bland is a must-have for the Cowboys defense.
DaRon Bland leads the Cowboys with five interceptions this season despite not seeing a lot of playing time until Week 8.
Featured image via Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
