Cornerback DaRon Bland’s latest injury has once again put his long-term outlook under the microscope. Foot issues have disrupted the Dallas Cowboys cornerback’s last two seasons, and on Tuesday, Dallas confirmed that Bland underwent another surgery on his left foot. With the franchise already invested in the $92 million defensive back and counting on a rebound season, the update has made his health an unavoidable concern, one that Jerry Jones openly addressed. 

“I’m not a doctor… but I don’t like that at all,” he said. “I don’t like the sound of that. You have to watch feet, relative to the future.”

GM Jones’ worries are valid because foot issues are crucial and could affect a player’s long-term outlook. That concern carries even more weight when placed against Bland’s recent trajectory. Just two seasons ago, he was widely viewed as the league’s best cornerback, earning first-team All-Pro honors after leading the NFL with nine interceptions in 2023, five of which he returned for touchdowns, an all-time record.

The 26-year-old initially fractured his left foot during training camp before the 2024 season, an injury that required surgery and kept him out for the first 10 games. When he did return, he was clearly limited, finishing the year with no interceptions while allowing a quarterback rating of 105.7 in coverage. He suited up for just seven games that season.

Things were slightly better this year as he made twelve appearances before landing on injured reserve for the final three weeks. He had also missed two games early on after sustaining a separate injury on his right foot during practice. Even while playing through lingering issues, Bland still logged 73 tackles and an interception, though quarterbacks posted a 103.3 rating when targeting him, far from the elite numbers he produced earlier in his career.

In 2023, Bland set a league record with five interception returns for touchdowns. That breakout stretch, combined with his steady rookie campaign in 2022, when he picked off five passes and allowed a solid 82.2 passer rating, formed the foundation for Dallas’ belief in him as a long-term cornerstone.

Jerry Jones is fully aware of that upside and would like to maximize it. But he can only do so if Bland is healthy enough to stay on the field. Now, the burning question is: when will he make a comeback?

When will DaRon Bland return?

Bland will probably return for the 2026 season following a successful second surgery on his left foot. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, he is expected to be ready for the Cowboys’ offseason program, though the priority remains full health by training camp in July. With Dallas already eliminated from playoff contention by the time he was shut down, the organization opted to place him on injured reserve in Week 15 rather than risk further damage.

The cornerback’s decision to push through the pain throughout the campaign did him no good. And that’s what likely boosted his confidence and prompted him to opt for surgery this month. 

“I’m always trying to get back to feeling like I’m regular, feel like me,” he said.

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As Bland takes a step towards his recovery, his team remains by his side as they always have. Despite dealing with his disappointing injury situation, the franchise locked him in for a four-year, $92 million extension that runs through 2029. The best part? Jerry Jones and his team have no qualms about the August deal. 

“He has been everything you could ask for relative to his rehab, relative to his competes,” Jones said in December. “He’s done the best that he’s had to work with as it turns out with his injury. He’s thumbs up.”

The surgery update sparks hope for the Cowboys’ defense, which ranked 30th in the league, allowing an abysmal 377 yards and 30.1 points. The situation even led to the firing of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. With the team feeling the void of Trevon Diggs and slot corner Jourdan Lewis, DaRon Bland’s return could steady the position.