The Dallas Cowboys have received unfortunate news regarding two of their star players. DaRon Bland, who set an NFL record with five pick-sixes in 2023, will miss approximately two months due to a stress fracture in his foot. Meanwhile, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb continues to hold out for a new contract, leaving the Cowboys in a precarious situation.
The Dallas Cowboys received a double dose of bad news on Saturday, with All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland set to miss approximately two months with a stress fracture in his foot and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb continuing his contract holdout.
Cowboys Cornerback DaRon Bland to Miss Two Months with Foot Injury
Bland's injury was revealed after he traveled to California this week for tests, which confirmed the stress fracture. The 25-year-old will undergo surgery to repair the injury, dealing a significant blow to the Cowboys' defense.
Bland's absence comes as the Cowboys prepare for the return of 2021 All-Pro Trevon Diggs, who missed all but two games last year after tearing a knee ligament. Diggs led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021, and his return will provide a much-needed boost to the secondary.
Cowboys Cornerback DaRon Bland to Miss Two Months with Foot Injury
In Bland's absence, the Cowboys will likely rely on Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright to fill the void at cornerback. Joseph started 13 games last season, while Wright has shown promise in his limited opportunities.
Bland's injury is a significant blow to the Cowboys' defense, as he has been a key contributor in his short time with the team. A fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft, Bland has recorded 14 interceptions in just 34 games.
Cowboys Cornerback DaRon Bland to Miss Two Months with Foot Injury
His five pick-sixes last season set an NFL record, surpassing the previous mark of four held by Philadelphia's Eric Allen (1993), Kansas City's Jim Kearney (1972), and Houston's Ken Houston (1971).
Bland's injury casts doubt on the Cowboys' defensive potential in 2023, especially considering the absence of Diggs in the early part of the season.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys continue to face uncertainty regarding star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is holding out for a new contract. Lamb has posted career-highs in receptions (135), yards (1,749), and touchdowns (12) in the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.
However, Lamb is seeking a significant pay raise and is reportedly willing to miss regular season games to secure a long-term deal. The Cowboys are reportedly reluctant to meet his demands, which could lead to a protracted holdout.
The loss of Bland and the potential absence of Lamb create a precarious situation for the Cowboys, who are aiming for a Super Bowl run in 2023. With the regular season set to begin in just over two weeks, the Cowboys will need to find solutions to these setbacks to maintain their championship aspirations.
