FRISCO, Texas — Help is on the way for the Dallas Cowboys' defense, and it's one of their most dangerous defensive weapons. DaRon Bland, the record-setting defensive back who owns the NFL mark for most pick-sixes in a single season, and the reigning 2023 interceptions leader, is nearing his return to the field.
The third-year cornerback suffered a fracture in his foot just ahead of the season and underwent surgery to repair the issue, then moved to injured reserve for a minimum of four games. With the primetime battle against the New York Giants serving as the fourth, the Cowboys could open his 21-day practice window thereafter.
Is that in consideration right now? It is, per head coach Mike McCarthy.
"We always felt like the Pittsburgh game is the point where we'd have more information," said McCarthy. "With this mini-bye week, we're hoping things will rev up there."
It would be a more than welcomed addition for a defense that has struggled mightily through its two-game losing streak, though mostly in run defense, but also in allowing chunk plays in the air.
The timing could also be fortuitous, considering rookie cornerback Caelen Carson suffered a shoulder injury in the loss against the Ravens that has him labeled a game time decision against the Giants, and indicates he's less than 100 percent right now — even if he were to suit up at MetLife Stadium. Of course, if he can not, it truly takes a hatchet to the depth of the cornerback unit that is still without Bland, for now.
That would turn eyes to Andrew Booth and Israel Mukuamu, the former acquired via trade with the Minnesota Vikings in training camp while the latter operates in his fourth season but first as a full-time cornerback in Dallas (a position he thrived in during his days at South Carolina).
Should the Cowboys open Bland's practice window, they'll have 21 days to either place him on the active roster or, if they do not, he will revert to season-ending injured reserve.
With the Steelers off to a hot start and the always scrappy Detroit Lions to follow ahead of a bye week that precedes an all-important battle against the San Francisco 49ers, things don't get any easier for the Cowboys' defense over the next several weeks.
Bland, who reappeared at the open portion of practice heading into the Ravens' matchup, and moving well with no devices or limp in his step, is definitely trending in the right direction, and not a moment too soon.
Without him, the defense has been, well, bland.
