The Dallas Cowboys‘ season is in serious trouble, as a worrying update on top cornerback DaRon Bland has cast a shadow over their final three games. The nature of his foot injury is severe enough that he is now seeking a second opinion, with surgery looming as a possibility.

There is no surgery scheduled yet. But it still means that the Cowboys are playing with a depleted roster. He likely picked up the injury during the Week 15 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Bland made four tackles (two solo) and one pass deflection in the game. However, the injury concerns have been following him since last year.

In 2024, he suffered a stress fracture in training camp. He underwent surgery and missed the first ten games. Even this year, he missed the first two games with a foot injury. These factors have put the Cowboys’ season in jeopardy, as their All-Pro corner has remained out most of the time.

DaRon Bland is their top defensive player. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones acknowledged his value by signing a four-year, $92 million contract extension. However, these recurring injuries prevent the cornerback from delivering the elite performance expected from a player with such a high price tag.

In only 12 games, he has made the highest number of solo tackles (45) and the second-highest combined tackles (73) in the lineup. Bland has also recorded six passes defended and one interception return for a touchdown.

The injury news has sent shockwaves. The Cowboys needed him as they were fighting for a playoff spot despite only a 1% chance.

Cowboys set to repeat miserable history

2025 is the 10th straight year that America’s Team is the world’s most valued sports franchise. But this year also marks the 30th year without a Super Bowl or even an NFC Championship. It’s hard to understand how the team gets tangled in losses and fails to build a winning record.

While DaRon Bland’s injury will put extra pressure on the defense, the offense has also struggled with injuries to receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, too. Cornerback Trevon Diggs is also out with no clear return timeline in sight. He claimed that he is fully healthy and wants to play. But head coach Brian Schottenheimer has not approved his comeback yet. The absence of key players disrupted their winning streak throughout the season.

In the current NFC playoff picture, the Green Bay Packers are placed in the seventh position with nine wins. The Cowboys’ situation will not improve even if they win the Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. They need to come up with better plans to qualify for the playoffs rather than depending on luck and praying for other teams to lose.

If the Cowboys fail to qualify for the playoffs, expect a major overhaul next year. Jones has already announced that he will be watching the last three games very closely.