Playing to win just got harder for the Cowboys with potentially season-ending news for All-Pro

DaRon Bland is expected to be out for the rest of the Dallas Cowboys’ season.

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland (26) carries the ball after an interception for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium.
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The Dallas Cowboys are likely losing All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland for their final three-game stretch of the season.

Bland has missed the first couple of practices of the week leading into a Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, and we now know why. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Bland is facing season-ending surgery, though not decision has been made official yet.

Bland facing second foot surgery in two years

According to Archer, Bland is “facing surgery on his left foot for the second time in as many years.” Per the report, Bland is still seeking a second opinion to avoid surgery.

Naturally, this likely means Bland’s season is over, even if he avoids surgery. After all, it’s a significant injury and with the Cowboys all but eliminated from the NFL playoffs, it wouldn’t make sense to risk him long-term.

Frustration mounts around Bland

Bland has been far from himself since an All-Pro breakout year in 2023 when he set the NFL record for most pick-sixes in a single season. This year, he has been inconsistent in coverage as the Cowboys struggle to adapt to Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

Though Bland hasn’t necessarily been bad, on the heels of a four-year contract extension worth $92 million, it’s tough to say he’s backing up the big deal. Not to mention, another foot surgery would raise long-term concerns around his play and durability.

Cornerback is a huge mystery

For the Cowboys, the news represents even more mystery at the cornerback position. With Trevon Diggs’ feud with Dallas ongoing and a cap hit of over $18 million in the books for next year, he’s expected to be released next offseason. Meanwhile, third-round rookie Shavon Revel Jr. has had ups and downs. Though his talent is promising, we have no way of knowing who he is at the NFL level.

In other words, for 2026, the Cowboys have no certainty at one of the most important positions in the game. Bland’s injury only makes things blurrier.

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