The Dallas Cowboys are heading into Week 16 with their backs firmly against the wall. After dropping two straight games-including a tough loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15-their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. And now, just days before facing the Los Angeles Chargers at home, they’ve been dealt another major blow: standout cornerback DaRon Bland is done for the season.
Bland will undergo season-ending foot surgery, a tough development for a defense that’s already been fighting to find its footing. According to head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the injury wasn’t a sudden one-it was the result of wear and tear over time.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Schottenheimer explained, “These things happen sometimes when you get your foot fixed and things like that. It’s just something where it kind of over time wore down.
It’s unfortunate for DaRon.”
The silver lining? The team expects Bland to be ready for training camp in 2026.
Schottenheimer emphasized that the prognosis is positive despite the long road to recovery ahead. He also noted that he and Bland have had several conversations since the decision, and the team is confident in his long-term outlook.
Still, there’s no sugarcoating it-losing Bland now is a gut punch. The 2025 season saw him continue to build on his breakout year, showing why Dallas locked him up with a four-year, $90 million extension this past August, including $50 million guaranteed.
His numbers speak for themselves: 73 tackles, six passes defended, three tackles for loss, and a pick-six. But beyond the stats, it was his presence-his ability to read routes, jump passes, and provide stability in the secondary-that made him such a critical piece of the Cowboys' defense.
With Bland sidelined, Dallas’ already shaky secondary takes another hit. The timing couldn’t be worse.
The Cowboys are clinging to playoff life, and Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers is a must-win. Even then, they’ll need help-specifically from the Washington Commanders, who face the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.
If the Eagles win that one, Dallas is officially out.
Kickoff against the Chargers is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, airing on Fox. For the Cowboys, it’s not just about keeping playoff hopes alive-it’s about pride, resilience, and seeing how this team responds when the odds are stacked against them.