DaRon Bland is set to make his first appearance this Sunday, according to Jerry Jones.
The Dallas Cowboys have been facing a variety of challenges lately, many of which are self-inflicted, but one of the most significant has been the rash of injuries affecting the team.
This issue has been persistent throughout the season, with several key players sidelined.
One notable injury has been to cornerback DaRon Bland, who has been dealing with a foot injury since late August. It was revealed at that time that Bland had a stress fracture in his foot.
In an effort to get him back on the field, the Cowboys activated a 21-day practice window for Bland before their game against the Detroit Lions, which was one week before their bye week.
The timing of the decision raised some questions, especially considering the upcoming break and the fact that it’s been six weeks since then.
However, according to team owner Jerry Jones, Bland is expected to make his debut this Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
This time last year, Bland made a name for himself by returning multiple interceptions for touchdowns, quickly becoming a standout player.
He went on to break the NFL record for the most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a season, notably during the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game against—coincidentally—the Washington Commanders, the same team they’ll face on Sunday.
Although the Cowboys’ season is largely viewed as a lost one, Bland will be eligible for a contract extension in the offseason.
Given his impressive performance last year, it’s likely he will aim to build on that momentum and prove his value as he approaches a potential new deal.