Bland must be activated or placed back on season-ending injured reserve because Dallas opened his 21-day practice window on October 9. He missed the Cowboys’ first seven regular-season games after needing surgery to fix a foot injury he sustained during training camp. Bland participated fully in his first two practices during Week 6, but he hasn’t practiced since due to foot pain. Although he might need more time to fully recover and return to playing form, Dallas won’t want to lose him for the remainder of the season.
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), rookie Caelen Carson has failed in Bland’s place, allowing completions on two-thirds of his targets. Alongside Trevon Diggs, a return from the 2023 first-team All-Pro would enable the Cowboys to endure a plethora of pass rush ailments. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence have been out since Week 4 due to their own ailments, and Sam Williams was placed on season-ending injured reserve during training camp.
Bland recorded a league-high nine interceptions in 2023, including five pick-sixes, but the Cowboys have missed his output. After forcing a turnover on 14.6% of opponent drives last season, the fourth-highest percentage in the league, Dallas has only four interceptions this season and an 8.6% turnover rate, which is eighth-worst among NFL defences. Dallas will need to make room for Bland’s activation by clearing two places from its existing roster of 54 players.
