TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Center-Dallas Cowboys CB DaRon Bland out with stress fracture in foot, needs surgery

Despite ample evidence to the contrary,TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Center Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has repeatedly said throughout the 2024 NFL offseason and training camp that he's "all in."

But, for various reasons, not all of his players are.

The latest blow landed Saturday, when news surfaced revealing that All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland needs surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot and could miss up to two months.

He emerged as a force in 2023 after replacing fellow All-Pro Trevon Diggs, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear last September. Bland took over and subsequently led the NFL with nine interceptions, returning five for touchdowns – establishing a league record.

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Bland's absence adds to the growing list of problems for Dallas, the reigning NFC East champions. Pass rusher Sam Williams went down with a torn ACL early in training camp. With Bland out, the secondary will be especially depleted after former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, who started every game at cornerback last season, recently signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Mike McCarthy suggested after Saturday's preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that rookie Caelen Carson could be a candidate to fill in for Bland.

And, of course, All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb has yet to report to the Cowboys as he continues to angle for a new contract, one that would land him near the top of the positional pay scale alongside the Vikings' Justin Jefferson, whose new extension averages $35 million annually.

Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons are also in line for new deals, but Jones, who was unusually inactive during this year's free agency period – yet lost several starters to other teams, three to the division rival Washington Commanders – has yet to resolve those issues and currently appears most focused on getting Lamb back into the fold.

The Cowboys open the regular season on the road Sept. 8 against the Cleveland Browns.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.

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