DaRon Bland’s Return: Could He Be the Key to Reviving the Cowboys’ Defense?

The Dallas Cowboys placed cornerback DaRon Bland on injured reserve with a designation to return, which creates a 21-day window for him either to report to the active roster or go to season-ending IR. Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones has all hope for Bland's return this week. "I think DaRon Bland has a real shot at playing this Sunday against the Detroit Lions," Jones said to reporters. Though not likely to carry the entire game, Jones does say that Bland is ready to roll and contribute on defense. He added: "Short of a real setback, DaRon should be ready to dress and help us on the defensive side of the ball and the secondary."Bland's return could be a huge pickup for a Dallas defense which has surrendered 24.2 points per game this season and ranks tied for 23rd in the NFL. Perhaps most importantly, he'll have an explosive matchup against the Lions this week, so his play could come at the right time.Also Read - How NFL Players InvestBland, at the tender age of 25, put together a stellar second season in 2023, reaching 69 tackles, 15 passes defensed, and a league-high nine interceptions, five of which he returned for touchdowns.The Cowboys have a great, skilled cornerback duo in both Bland and Trevon Diggs. Diggs tallied one this season while tallying 19 in his career. 11 of those came in one breakout season in 2021. Injury has limited their time together on the field.Bland returns but so does the cost as defensive end Marshawn Kneeland is on the injured reserve list with a knee injury. A blow to the unit that was already thinned with DeMarcus Lawrence and the Lisfranc injury that has sidelined him.As the Cowboys get ready to face the Lions in their next game, the aggregation of polling about the odds tells a pretty tight game with the Lions only minimally favored over the Cowboys. How will the team adjust to this, as it continues in its efforts to solidify its defense?Also Read - Record Breaking Viewership of NFL