DaRon Bland injury likely ends his season, forces Cowboys’ hand with Trevon Diggs
Another injury hits the Cowboys’ secondary, and it could finally push Trevon Diggs back onto the field.
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is likely done for the season, as a lingering foot injury may send him to injured reserve, and possibly back to the operating room, with just three games remaining in the 2025 season.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Bland is seeking a second opinion on his left foot and is facing the possibility of surgery for the second time in two years. Even if surgery is avoided, the expectation is that Bland will land on IR, effectively shutting him down until 2026.
Cornerback DaRon Bland is facing surgery on his left foot for the second time in as many years, according to multiple sources. Bland is seeking a second opinion. No surgery has been scheduled yet. Even w/o surgery, he is likely going to end up on injured reserve w/ 3 games left.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) December 18, 2025
A brutal blow to an already thin secondary in Dallas
This is about as bad as it gets for a Cowboys secondary that has been fighting injuries all season. Bland has been one of the few constants, and now even that stability is gone. Dallas is about to face Justin Herbert and the Chargers, followed by two more games where evaluation and pride are basically all that’s left.
With Bland likely out, the Cowboys will lean heavily on young corners Shavon Revel and Caelen Carson, throwing them directly into the fire against one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks.
What this likely means for Trevon Diggs?
With Bland sidelined, it becomes increasingly difficult to justify keeping Trevon Diggs on injured reserve if there’s any chance he’s healthy enough to go. Diggs has been practicing and has repeatedly said he feels ready, even as the team has taken a cautious approach with his knee.
If Diggs is activated by Saturday, he’s almost certainly playing, not just because the Cowboys need bodies, but because they need leadership and experience in the unraveling secondary. If he’s not activated this week, his season ends. Bland’s injury may push the Cowboys to make that decision sooner rather than later.
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs was friendly with the cameras today in his ninth practice since having his 21-day window opened on Nov. 30.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) December 18, 2025
A decision will come Saturday on if he will be activated off IR or not. pic.twitter.com/mjMSmb6XNL
The situation also comes at an awkward time given Bland’s recent extension. Before the season, Dallas locked him up with a four-year, $92 million deal, including $50 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid corners in the league.
The Cowboys clearly see Bland as a cornerstone piece long-term, which likely explains the conservative approach now. With postseason odds hovering around one percent, there’s little incentive to push a franchise defender through another foot issue.
Kickoff between Dallas and Los Angeles is set for 1:00 p.m. ET this Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
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